speechless
UK: ˈspiːtʃləs | US: ˈspiːtʃləs
adj. temporarily unable to speak due to strong emotion (e.g., shock, awe, or anger)
adj. lacking words to express something adequately
The word combines "speech" (from Old English spǣc, meaning "act of speaking") and the suffix "-less" (from Old English -lēas, meaning "without"). Originally, it described a literal inability to speak, but over time, it evolved to emphasize emotional or situational muteness. The morphemes reflect a straightforward logic: "speech" (communication) + "less" (absence) = "without speech."
She was speechless after hearing the unexpected news.
The breathtaking view left him utterly speechless.
His rude comment rendered me speechless with anger.
The audience sat speechless during the powerful performance.
For once, the talkative child was speechless.