dazzle
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to shine or reflect brilliantly.
gems dazzling in the sunlight.
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to be overpowered by light.
Her eyes dazzled in the glare.
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to excite admiration by brilliance.
Once one is accustomed to such splendor, it no longer dazzles.
noun
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an act or instance of dazzling.
the dazzle of the spotlights.
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something that dazzles.
verb
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(usually tr) to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light
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to amaze, as with brilliance
she was dazzled by his wit
she dazzles in this film
noun
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bright light that dazzles
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bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc
the dazzle of fame
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dazzle
Explanation
To dazzle is to blind someone for a moment with light, like a deer in the headlights. You can also dazzle by impressing people, and not just by wearing a sparkly sequined shirt. Have you ever had a light shine in your face so you couldn't see for a second? You were dazzled. To dazzle is to blind someone in this way. A car's high-beam lights can dazzle other drivers. Looking directly at the sun is a way to dazzle yourself. Dazzling puts you in a daze for a second. Also, anything impressive can dazzle. A great writer dazzles readers. An impressive speaker dazzles listeners. It's like you're blinded by their brilliance.
Vocabulary lists containing dazzle
Selection Vocabulary 2, Unit 2
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"Two Left Feet, Two Left Hands, and Too Left on the Bench"
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Unit 5, Academic Vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Early on, Eddie announces over the loudspeakers that the casino’s new owners have decided to shutter the failing Razzle Dazzle in favor of something more hip.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025
For Mary-Anne and Jodie, who are in the prime of their youth, the question of what will follow Le Razzle Dazzle isn’t so intimidating.
From Salon • Jan. 8, 2025
He created Dazzle and Bloom in 2021, after noticing a gap in the market following his own wedding.
From BBC • Jan. 3, 2024
Howard may not have much dialogue compared to the "Death Rattle Dazzle" cast, but he's always standing close to the action or stoically enduring Oliver's swipes.
From Salon • Aug. 16, 2023
Razzle Dazzle" next day, a cold-eyed aide said to me: "One tank, worth ten thousand pounds, is as much as any bally young officer may expect to be given to destroy during his lifetime.
From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
