Astonish

Astonish is a verb meaning to surprise or amaze someone greatly, often with something unexpected or extraordinary. It implies a stronger reaction than ordinary surprise and is typically used for vivid or dramatic effects. The related noun is astonishment and the adjective forms are astonishing and astonished.

Astonish originated in Middle English, borrowed from Old French estonner, meaning to stun or bewilder. The word has retained its sense of overwhelming surprise and is common in both formal and informal contexts.

Usage notes: It is transitive and takes a direct object, as in "The magician's finale astonished the audience." The passive form "was astonished" describes the reaction of the person or group. "Astonishing" describes something remarkable or extraordinary, as in "an astonishing achievement." "Astonished" is often used to describe people who are surprised.

Related terms include astonishment (the state of being astonished) and astonishing (causing astonishment).