adjective
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completely taken aback; amazed or shocked
-
rare struck by lightning
Etymology
Origin of thunderstruck
Explanation
When you’re thunderstruck, you’re dumbfounded by something. Only something very shocking can leave you thunderstruck. If you walk by a statue in the park and it starts talking to you, you’ll probably be thunderstruck. If you were struck by lightning, it would stop you in your tracks. That unlikely event is the inspiration for this word, which involves more of a shock to the mind. When you’re thunderstruck, you’re amazed and stunned. The news that you’re pregnant could leave you thunderstruck. An incredible news story could leave you thunderstruck. This is a strong word for when your mind is truly blown.
Vocabulary lists containing thunderstruck
Ungifted
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The Landry News
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Out of My Heart
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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 if thunderstruck, Leontes becomes irredeemably convinced that Polixenes’ acquiescence reveals an adulterous relationship between the two.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
More than 90 million Americans watched, thunderstruck, as TV helicopters provided live shots of the action.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 12, 2024
When he unexpectedly chose the Angels over nearly two dozen other suitors, thunderstruck general manager Billy Eppler jumped from his chair and fell to the floor when he tried to sit back down.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 13, 2023
And I’m really thunderstruck at the number of people who are shocked, shocked.
From Slate ● May 7, 2022
Taran’s jaw dropped and he looked so thunderstruck that Gwydion threw back his head and burst into laughter.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
