dazzle
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to shine or reflect brilliantly.
gems dazzling in the sunlight.
-
to be overpowered by light.
Her eyes dazzled in the glare.
-
to excite admiration by brilliance.
Once one is accustomed to such splendor, it no longer dazzles.
noun
-
an act or instance of dazzling.
the dazzle of the spotlights.
-
something that dazzles.
verb
-
(usually tr) to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light
-
to amaze, as with brilliance
she was dazzled by his wit
she dazzles in this film
noun
-
bright light that dazzles
-
bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc
the dazzle of fame
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
dazzlesimple
-
dazzlessimple
-
have dazzledperfect
-
has dazzledperfect
-
am dazzlingprogressive
-
are dazzlingprogressive
-
is dazzlingprogressive
-
have been dazzlingperfect progressive
-
has been dazzlingperfect progressive
Past
-
dazzledsimple
-
had dazzledperfect
-
was dazzlingprogressive
-
were dazzlingprogressive
-
had been dazzlingperfect progressive
Future
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Two Left Feet, Two Left Hands, and Too Left on the Bench"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 5, Academic Vocabulary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That’s how you open their hearts and lower their walls: You dazzle them.
From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026
It is six decades since he started to dazzle home audiences, over 40 since he last played a game.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
He didn’t particularly dazzle, but that’s not his appeal.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
College sports may be amok but it still can dazzle.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
“Before I dazzle you with the symphonic sound of this unit, let me point out some of its less-appreciated features.”
From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis
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.
