Synonyms

astound

American

[uh-stound] / əˈstaʊnd /

verb (used with object)

to overwhelm with amazement; astonish greatly; shock with wonder or surprise.

adjective

Archaic. astonished; astounded.

astound British

/ əˈstaʊnd /

verb

(tr) to overwhelm with amazement and wonder; bewilder

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See surprise.

Other Word Forms

astoundment noun

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

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

But because of the breadth of her catalog, the presentation here could still astound you.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2024

For 20 excruciating minutes, Geller failed to astound.

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2024

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