astound
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈstaʊnd/
KK: /əˈstaʊnd/
adjective
Definition
Feeling very surprised or amazed by something.
Example
The magician's tricks left the audience astound.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more astound
Superlative: most astound
Conversation
Did you see that magic show last night?
Yes! I was absolutely astounded by the tricks.
Right? The final act left me speechless!
I know! It was truly an astounding performance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
amazed
astonished
stunned
Antonyms
unimpressed
bored
indifferent
transitive verb
Definition
To surprise someone very much; to make someone feel shocked or amazed.
Example
The magician's trick was so incredible that it astounded the entire audience.
Tense Forms
Past: astounded
Past Participle: astounded
Conversation
Did you see that magician last night?
Yeah, he really astounded everyone with his tricks!
I was completely blown away; I didn't know how he did those illusions.
Root Explanation
Astound is derived from the prefix "a-" (meaning to) and the root "stound" (from Old English *astundan*, meaning to stun or to strike down). The word describes the act of striking someone with amazement or shock.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'struck' ('stound') with amazement — that's why astound means to amaze or shock someone.
Visually Confused Words
stound
eastbound
stoun
stond
sound