ébahir

Ébahir is a French verb that means to astonish, amaze, or dumbfound. It describes a state of surprised admiration or bewilderment, often caused by something unexpected or extraordinary. The word derives from the Old French verb "esbahir," which itself comes from the Vulgar Latin "*exbāhīre," meaning to open one's mouth in surprise.

The verb ébahir is typically used to express a strong emotional reaction to something that is impressive, remarkable, or even shocking. For example, one might be ébahir by a breathtaking landscape, a stunning piece of art, or an incredible feat of skill. The feeling conveyed is one of being momentarily speechless, struck by the sheer wonder of the situation.

In its past participle form, "ébloui," it can describe someone who is dazzled or blinded, either literally by light or figuratively by something that overwhelms their senses or judgment. This can also extend to being infatuated or overly impressed, sometimes to the point of losing objectivity. The term implies a sudden and often involuntary reaction, a moment where one's usual composure is disrupted by a powerful stimulus.