astonishment

Word parts

astonish + -ment

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /əˈstɒnɪʃmənt/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /əˈstɑːnɪʃmənt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular astonishment

Plural astonishments

1. (uncountable) Astonishment is the state or feeling of being deeply surprised.

   They watched in astonishment as the building fell.

   To our astonishment, he jumped onto one of the tables and started singing.

2. (countable) An astonishment a situation or event that causes deep surprise.

   It was an astonishment, to see his father begin to cry.

Related words

• astonish