adjective
-
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
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!
The Landry News
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!
Out of My Heart
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.
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
The cuts were to go into effect three days later, leaving grant recipients thunderstruck.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 13, 2025
More than 90 million Americans watched, thunderstruck, as TV helicopters provided live shots of the action.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 12, 2024
And I’m really thunderstruck at the number of people who are shocked, shocked.
From Slate ● May 7, 2022
Harry saw, with enormous satisfaction, that the Slytherin team were all looking thunderstruck.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
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.
