Vocabulary in context
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Astound
To fill with wonder or surprise; to astonish greatly or shock someone.
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Imagine This
Imagine hearing jaw-dropping news or watching a magic trick so unbelievable that your mouth falls open and you stand speechless in awe.
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Sounds Like
uh-STAWND
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Looks Like
astonish
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Remember This
Astound implies a strong, overwhelming sense of surprise or shock—stronger than simply 'amaze' or 'astonish' in many contexts.
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Other Forms
astoundedadjective
astoundingadjective
astoundsverb
astoundinglyadverb
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Connect With
astonish, amaze, surprise, stun, shock
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Note
Astound is transitive (it acts on a person or group: 'The performance astounded the crowd.'). The past participle form 'astounded' is common in passive or adjectival use (e.g., 'They were astounded by the result.'). Do not confuse with the archaic or less-used 'stound' on its own.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The magician's finale astounded the audience.
- Scientists were astounded by the unprecedented results of the study.
Synonyms
amazeastonishstunflabbergastdumbfound
Antonyms
borecalmdisappoint
Etymology
From Middle English astounden, formed with the prefix a- (to) and stound (a sudden shock or blow; a moment of astonishment). First used in the 14th century to mean to strike with a sudden surprise.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: A-stunned — think of 'a-stunned' as being struck with a sudden shock; when something astounds you, you are literally a-stunned.
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nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
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adjectiveHigher in rank, quality, or value; better than others; outstanding or first-rate.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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