The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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astonish

verb

/əˈstɒn ɪʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of astonish

To surprise or amaze someone greatly, often leaving them speechless or in a state of shock.
"The magician's performance was designed to astonish the audience."

Detailed meaning of astonish

It can refer to a sudden, unexpected event or action that causes astonishment or to an incredible display of skill or talent that leaves observers amazed. For example, a magician might astonish the audience with a stunning trick, or a news report might astonish viewers with unexpected information or a shocking revelation. The word 'astonish' carries a sense of wonder and disbelief and is often used to describe experiences that are unforgettable or extraordinary.

Example sentences containing astonish

1. The magician's tricks never fail to astonish the audience.
2. The unexpected turn of events will surely astonish everyone.
3. Her incredible talent for singing will astonish anyone who hears her.
4. The sudden news of their engagement will astonish their friends and family.
5. The breathtaking view from the mountaintop will astonish hikers.
6. The amount of support they received for their project truly astonished them.

History and etymology of astonish

The verb 'astonish' has its etymological origins in Middle English. It is derived from the Old French word 'estoner,' which means 'to stun' or 'to amaze.' This Old French term, in turn, traces its roots to the Latin 'extonare,' where 'ex' means 'out' and 'tonare' means 'to thunder.' Therefore, 'astonish' originally meant 'to strike with thunder' or 'to leave someone thunderstruck.' Over time, the term evolved to describe the act of surprising or amazing someone greatly, often to the point of leaving them speechless or in a state of shock. 'Astonish' implies a level of surprise or wonder that is so profound that it elicits a strong and often unanticipated emotional response from the person experiencing it.

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Further usage examples of astonish

1. The skilled acrobat's performance will astonish spectators at the circus.
2. The scientist's groundbreaking discovery will astonish the scientific community.
3. The young artist's talent will astonish art enthusiasts.
4. The speed at which he completed the task will astonish his colleagues.
5. The intricate details of the sculpture will astonish art critics.
6. The resilience of the underdog team will astonish their opponents.
7. The delicious flavors of the chef's culinary creations will astonish diners.
8. The accuracy of the archer's aim will astonish onlookers.
9. The precision of the synchronized swimmers will astonish the judges.
10. The actor's flawless performance will astonish the theatergoers.
11. The extraordinary strength of the weightlifter will astonish the audience.
12. The complexity of the mathematician's proof will astonish mathematicians worldwide.
13. The accuracy of the weather forecast will astonish meteorologists.
14. The speed and agility of the dancer's moves will astonish the crowd.