astound
Americanverb (used with object)
adjective
verb
Related Words
See surprise.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of astound
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English astoun(e)d, past participle of astonen, variant of astonyen “to thunder.” See astonish
Explanation
Astound means to amaze. Savants, or those with extreme brain abnormalities, can astound people by their ability to play Beethoven sonatas on the piano after having heard them only once. Astound has its roots in the verb astonish, originally meaning to stun, and the idea of surprise remains wrapped up in the word. Things like over-the-top fireworks, believable magicians, and the miracle of life tend to astound. But if you lick all your favorite cookies to keep anyone else from taking them––your rudeness could astound as well.
Vocabulary lists containing astound
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31
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Ten Words from New York Times History - The Kitchen Debate - July 24, 1959
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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.
For now, Chambliss is content piling up plays that astound football fans across the country—except for those who know him best.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026
Train punctuality in Germany is appalling - worse than in the UK, which will astound weary British commuters.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025
For 20 excruciating minutes, Geller failed to astound.
From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2024
And many of these events occurred relatively recently, showing that the field of physics continues to astound us.
From Scientific American • Jul. 27, 2023
If they were impressed by Seven and Thorn, Valley’s skill would truly astound them.
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
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.
