amaze

[ uh-meyz ]

verb (used with object)

, a·mazed, a·maz·ing.

1. to overwhelm with surprise or sudden wonder; astonish greatly:

   It will never cease to amaze me how fast children grow.

   She was amazed that someone could be serious about something so incredibly absurd.

   Synonyms: flabbergast, stun, dumbfound, astound

2. Obsolete. to bewilder; perplex.

verb (used without object)

, a·mazed, a·maz·ing.

1. to cause amazement:

   The museum has a new art show that delights and amazes.

noun

1. Archaic. amazement.

amaze

/ əˈmeɪz /

verb

1. to fill with incredulity or surprise; astonish
2. See bewilder
   an obsolete word for bewilder

noun

1. See amazement
   an archaic word for amazement

Word History and Origins

Origin of amaze¹

First recorded before 1000; from Middle English amasen, from Old English āmasian “to confuse, stun, astonish,” equivalent to a- ³, + unattested *masian “to confuse”; maze ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of amaze¹

Old English āmasian

Synonym Study

See surprise.

Example Sentences

They still had the $81 million that has to amaze everybody on all sides of the issue.

From The Daily Beast

Daniel Radcliffe may not be Harry Potter anymore but he continues to amaze us with magic.

From The Daily Beast

Does the number of stars that came out of Angels in the Outfield amaze you?

From The Daily Beast

“These words astonish me as much as they amaze you,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

There's always pressure, whether it's a new film or whether it's a sequel, to entertain and amaze an audience.

From The Daily Beast

His powerful logic would surprise,Amaze, and much delight: He proved that dimness of the eyesWas hurtful to the sight.

From Project Gutenberg

Three strides took Andrews to the spot, and there he halted in amaze with a little exclamation of astonishment.

From Project Gutenberg

"Madam, I am not disputing your word," cried poor Jack, in amaze at her angry vehemence.

From Project Gutenberg

They did not know they were glimpsing the first outcroppings of a genius that would one day amaze and entertain the nations.

From Project Gutenberg

She hid them quickly in the folds of her cloak, and all the while the expression of amaze and fear on her face did not abate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affect
• alarm
• astonish
• astound
• bewilder
• daze
• dumbfound
• flabbergast
• impress
• perplex
• shock
• stagger
• startle
• stun