astonish
UK: əˈstɒnɪʃ | US: əˈstɑːnɪʃ
vt. to fill with sudden wonder or amazement
vt. to surprise greatly
astonish = a<intensive prefix> + ton<thunder> + ish<verb suffix>
- a- (intensive prefix): An Old English prefix intensifying the root’s meaning, akin to "on" or "at."
- ton (from Latin tonare, "to thunder"): Implies a sudden, loud impact, metaphorically extended to emotional shock.
- -ish (verb suffix): A Germanic suffix forming verbs, indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Old French estoner (modern étonner), itself from Vulgar Latin extonare ("to strike with thunder"). The word evolved from literal thunderstruck shock (ton) to figurative astonishment, intensified by the prefix a-. The progression reflects how sudden, overwhelming experiences (like thunder) became metaphors for mental surprise.
The magician’s trick astonished the audience.
She was astonished by the unexpected news.
His rapid progress in learning astonished his teachers.
The grandeur of the ancient ruins astonished the tourists.
They were astonished to find the house completely renovated.