Definition

Having a strong admiration or fascination for the theater and acting, often to the point of being overly excited or influenced by it.

Example

After watching the play, she felt stagestruck and dreamed of becoming an actress.

Conversation

I saw you at the theater last night; you looked a bit stagestruck during the performance.

Yeah, I was totally captivated by the actors and the whole atmosphere.

It’s easy to get stagestruck when the show is that good, right?

Absolutely! I always dream of being on that stage myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stagestruck → The word is formed from "stage" (from Old French *estage*, meaning a platform or place for performances) and "struck" (the past participle of "strike", meaning to hit or affect). The term "stagestruck" refers to being deeply affected or enchanted by the theater or performance, as if one has been struck by the experience of being on stage.

Memory Tip

Imagine someone being 'hit' ('struck') by the magic of a 'stage' performance — that's why stagestruck means being enchanted by the theater.

Visually Confused Words