What does astoundment mean?
Astoundment refers to a state of intense surprise or shock, often triggered by unexpected events or extraordinary circumstances. This noun is used to describe a strong emotional response, typically characterized by a sense of amazement, bewilderment, or astonishment. Astoundment can be used in various contexts, including formal writing, literature, and everyday conversation, although it tends to be more commonly found in written language. The word is closely related to verbs like astound and astonish, which convey similar meanings. Understanding astoundment can help you express and describe strong emotional reactions in your writing and speech.
nounA feeling of great surprise or shock, often caused by something unexpected or extraordinary.
- A feeling of great surprise or shock
- A state of being amazed or astonished
"The crowd was filled with astoundment as the fireworks lit up the night sky."
"The news of her promotion left her in a state of astoundment."
"The complexity of the issue filled him with astoundment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astoundment
The word astoundment has its roots in the verb astound, which originated from the Old French word 'estonier,' meaning to stun or amaze. This Old French term is derived from the Latin 'extonare,' which means to strike with thunder. Over time, astoundment evolved as a noun form to describe the state of being astounded. It has been used in the English language since the 17th century.
Usage notes
Astoundment is a formal or literary word, often used in written contexts to convey a sense of strong emotions.