dumbfounded
|dumb/found/ed|
B2
/ˈdʌmˌfaʊndɪd/
(dumbfound)
speechless with shock
Etymology
Etymology Information
'dumbfounded' originates from the combination of 'dumb' meaning 'unable to speak' and 'found' from 'confound', meaning 'to confuse'.
Historical Evolution
'dumbfounded' evolved from the earlier term 'dumbfound', which was used in the 17th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make speechless with amazement', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
so shocked or surprised that one is unable to speak.
She was dumbfounded by the unexpected news.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35