astonished
Americanadjective
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of astonished
First recorded in 1510–20, for an earlier sense; astonish + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective sense; astonish + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense
Explanation
If you are astonished, you're feeling the emotional punch of a huge surprise. If you've lived in the city your whole life, the first night you spend in the desert staring at billions of stars will leave you astonished. Astonished is the adjective form of the verb astonish, which comes from old Anglo-Norman for a blow to the head. We use it now for much more positive feelings, when we are stunned by awe and admiration, and not stunned from being hit in the head with a bat! Synonyms are amazed and astounded.
Vocabulary lists containing astonished
Emotions on Display
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In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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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.
As cops breathed sighs of relief that he was an architect, those living in Massapequa "were astonished," Livoti said.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
I was astonished that he totally pulled it off and he’s such a true filmmaker.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
"I am both surprised and astonished because I have no idea where you would have heard that I was going to resign," said Grospiron.
From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026
Meloni said she was astonished by his words, adding, “Friendship requires respect.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026
Grandma had been astonished when none of the Palmers knew anything about an earthquake.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
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.
