Definition

To cause someone to be extremely surprised or confused.

Example

The magician's trick was so amazing that it dumbfounded the entire audience.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was completely dumbfound when I heard the news about the surprise party.

Really? I had no idea they were planning that!

Yeah, it totally caught me off guard and left me speechless.

Same here! They really know how to pull off a good surprise.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dumbfound → It is formed from "dumb" (from Old English *dumb*, meaning unable to speak) and "found" (from Old English *fundian*, meaning to discover or come upon). The word "dumbfound" means to render someone speechless or unable to respond due to shock or amazement.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'unable to speak' ('dumb') because they have 'discovered' something shocking ('found'). This helps you remember that 'dumbfound' means to astonish someone to the point of speechlessness.

Visually Confused Words