astonishment
|as-ton-ish-ment|
B2
🇺🇸
/əˈstɑːnɪʃmənt/
🇬🇧
/əˈstɒnɪʃmənt/
great surprise
Etymology
Etymology Information
'astonishment' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'astonisshement,' where 'astonisshen' meant 'to stun or amaze.'
Historical Evolution
'astonisshement' transformed into the modern English word 'astonishment' through the influence of Old French 'estoner.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to stun or amaze,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a feeling of great surprise or wonder.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a feeling of great surprise or wonder.
Her eyes widened in astonishment when she saw the surprise party.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42