Definition

A feeling of great surprise or wonder about something unexpected.

Example

She looked at the magician in astonishment as he performed his tricks.

Conversation

Did you see the magician's last trick?

I did! It left me in complete astonishment.

I couldn't believe my eyes; it was amazing!

Right? It's incredible how they can create such moments of astonishment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Astonishment → It is formed from "astonish" (from Old French *estoner*, meaning to stun or shock) and "-ment" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or resulting state). The word "astonishment" refers to the state of being stunned or shocked by something unexpected.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'stunned' ('astonish') and the '-ment' indicating a state — that's why astonishment means the state of being shocked.

Visually Confused Words