Definition

To cause someone to feel great surprise or wonder.

Example

The magician's tricks never fail to astonish the audience.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see the magician's show last night?

Yeah, it was incredible! He really knows how to astonish the audience.

I was completely amazed by his tricks.

Same here! I can't believe how he pulled that rabbit out of nowhere.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Astonish → It is formed from "a-" (meaning to) and "stonish" (from Old French *estoner*, meaning to stun or shock). The word "astonish" means to shock or surprise someone to the point of being stunned.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'stunned' ('stonish') when something surprises you 'to' ('a-'). This helps you remember that to astonish means to shock or surprise.

Visually Confused Words