mind-boggling

UK: ˈmaɪndˌbɒɡ.lɪŋ | US: ˈmaɪndˌbɑː.ɡlɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. extremely surprising or overwhelming; difficult to comprehend or imagine

Structure
mind <mental faculty>boggling <causing astonishment or confusion>
Etymology

The term combines "mind," from Old English gemynd (memory, thought), with "boggling," derived from "boggle" (to hesitate or be startled, likely from Middle English bugge, meaning a specter or frightening object). "Boggling" evolved to describe something so astonishing it overwhelms the mind. The compound "mind-boggling" emerged in the mid-20th century to emphasize extreme mental overwhelm, often in contexts like technology or scale.

Examples

  1. The complexity of quantum physics is truly mind-boggling.

  2. She faced a mind-boggling amount of paperwork after the merger.

  3. The museum’s collection spans mind-boggling historical eras.

  4. His sudden wealth was a mind-boggling change in fortune.

  5. The speed of AI advancement is mind-boggling to researchers.