astound

[uh-stound]

verb (used with object)

1. to overwhelm with amazement; astonish greatly; shock with wonder or surprise.

adjective

1. Archaic.,  astonished; astounded.

astound

/ əˈstaʊnd /

verb

1. (tr) to overwhelm with amazement and wonder; bewilder

Other Word Forms

• astoundment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of astound¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English astoun(e)d, past participle of astonen, variant of astonyen “to thunder.” See astonish

Word History and Origins

Origin of astound¹

C17: from astoned amazed, from Old French estoné, from estoner to _astonish

Synonym Study

See surprise.

Example Sentences

Drifting between boiling anger and crushing regret, O’Brien’s delivery of a monologue to the ghost of Rocky astounds for its insides-bearing rawness.

From Los Angeles Times

That it immediately triggered the resignations of five other top CDC scientists in protest made it all the more astounding.

From Salon

While some may recover, it's not a given – and the damage has astounded scientists.

From BBC

He agrees that managers have not been sufficiently held to account at the inquiry: "Imagine that the people representing the families and the patients cannot directly ask questions to the witnesses - I find that astounding."

From BBC

“I’m still astounded by the popularity of ‘Pretty Little Baby,’” she said last week, thanking the A-listers who have used her hit in their social media videos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astonish 
• bewilder 
• confound 
• confuse 
• dumbfound 
• flabbergast 
• overwhelm 
• shock 
• stagger 
• startle 
• stun 
• stupefy 
• surprise