dazed

Dazed is an adjective describing a state of stunned confusion or unreality. A person who is dazed may have an unfocused gaze, slowed thinking, and delayed reactions, and might appear to be waking from a dream. Dazed states follow events such as physical impact, sudden shock, fatigue, or intoxication. The term implies temporary disruption of awareness rather than complete unconsciousness.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from the verb daze, meaning to stupefy or confuse. In medical or clinical usage, a dazed state is a transient cognitive impairment that is less severe than loss of consciousness and may occur after head injury, concussion, or intoxication. Dazed is typically used to describe perception or alertness rather than core consciousness.

Cultural and linguistic usage: Dazed is common in literature and journalism to convey shock, fatigue, or surreal perception. The phrase dazed and confused is an idiom that signals extended bewilderment and is also used as a title in various works, from music to film. In everyday speech, people may say they feel dazed after a long trip or a startling event.

See also: Daze, Dazedness (rare), Disoriented, Stunned, Bewildered, Confused.