astonish definition

1. To stun; to render senseless, as by a blow. "Enough, captain; you have astonished him. [Fluellen had struck Pistol]" (Shak) "The very cramp-fish [i. E, torpedo] . . . Being herself not benumbed, is able to astonish others." (Holland)

2. To strike with sudden fear, terror, or wonder; to amaze; to surprise greatly, as with something unaccountable; to confound with some sudden emotion or passion. "Musidorus . . . Had his wits astonished with sorrow." (Sidney) "I, Daniel . . . Was astonished at the vision." (Dan. Viii. 27)

Synonyms: To amaze, astound, overwhelm, surprise.

Astonished, Surprised. We are at what is unexpected. We are astonished at what is above or beyond our comprehension. We are taken by surprise. We are struck with astonishment. See Amaze.

Origin: OE. Astonien, astunian, astonen, OF. Estoner, F. Etonner, fr. L. Ex out + tonare to thunder, but perhaps influenced by E. Stun. See Thunder, Astound, Astony.

(01 Mar 1998)