strike dumb

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To cause someone to be completely unable to speak, typically due to extreme surprise, shock, or awe. It implies a temporary state of speechlessness.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the effect of an event, statement, or sight that is so astonishing it leaves a person momentarily without words. It is often used in passive constructions (e.g., "was struck dumb").

Examples
  • The sheer beauty of the landscape struck the visitors dumb.
  • His sudden and heartfelt apology struck her dumb.
  • The jury was struck dumb by the defendant's unexpected confession.
Advanced Usage
  • To be struck dumb is a common passive form describing the state of the person affected.
    • She was struck dumb by the news of his passing.
Variants and Related Words
  • Dumbstruck (adjective): An adjective form meaning struck with astonishment and unable to speak.
    • The audience was left dumbstruck by the magician's final trick.
Synonyms
  • Astonish: To fill with sudden wonder or amazement.
  • Stun: To shock or overwhelm so as to make temporarily unable to react.
  • Render speechless: To cause to be unable to speak.
Related Idioms
  • To be at a loss for words: To be unable to think of anything to say.
    • His generosity left me at a loss for words.
  • To be tongue-tied: To be unable to speak, typically from shyness or nervousness. (Note: This often implies a different cause, such as embarrassment, rather than pure shock.)
Verb
  1. render speechless, as by surprising or shocking
    • we were struck dumb by the candidate's announcement