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