dazzle

American  

[daz-uhl] / ˈdæz əl /

verb (used with object)

dazzled, dazzling

1. to overpower or dim the vision of by intense light.

   He was dazzled by the sudden sunlight.

2. to impress deeply; astonish with delight.

   The glorious palace dazzled him.

   Synonyms:

   stupefy, overpower, overwhelm, awe

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verb (used without object)

dazzled, dazzling

1. to shine or reflect brilliantly.

   gems dazzling in the sunlight.

2. to be overpowered by light.

   Her eyes dazzled in the glare.

3. to excite admiration by brilliance.

   Once one is accustomed to such splendor, it no longer dazzles.

noun

1. an act or instance of dazzling.

   the dazzle of the spotlights.

2. something that dazzles.

dazzle British  

/ ˈdæzəl /

verb

1. (usually tr) to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light

2. to amaze, as with brilliance

   she was dazzled by his wit

   she dazzles in this film

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noun

1. bright light that dazzles

2. bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc

   the dazzle of fame

Other Word Forms

• dazzler noun
• dazzlingly adverb
• outdazzle verb (used with object)
• overdazzle verb
• undazzled adjective
• undazzling adjective

Etymology

Origin of dazzle

First recorded in 1475–85; daze + -le

Example Sentences

But to others ... well, Versailles was once a dazzling royal residence.

From Los Angeles Times

There is certainly pain and grief involved in the Moriah Wilson story, but each such moment here is counterbalanced by another dazzling photo of the cyclist’s smiling face.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wacky character traits get trotted out merely for visual dazzle, not to generate any intrigue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gingersnipes beamed as if some dazzling new information had been revealed.

From Literature

College sports may be amok but it still can dazzle.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• astonish
• awe
• blind
• blur
• daze
• excite
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• impress
• overwhelm
• surprise