'astonish' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'astonien,' which came from Old French 'estoner,' derived from Latin 'extonare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'tonare' meant 'to thunder.'

'estoner' transformed into the Middle English word 'astonien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'astonish.'

Initially, it meant 'to strike with thunder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to amaze or surprise greatly.'