wonder-stricken

wonder-stricken

The child stood wonder-stricken before the glowing aquarium.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Struck with wonder: "wonder-stricken" describes a state of being suddenly and deeply affected by amazement, awe, or astonishment. It conveys a sense of being emotionally or mentally overwhelmed by something extraordinary or unexpected.
Usage Examples
  • (She was filled with awe and amazement at the sight.)
  • (They were astonished and captivated.)
  • (He experienced a profound sense of awe.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be left wonder-stricken": to remain in a state of amazement after an event.

    • The explorers were left wonder-stricken by the hidden valley's beauty. (They continued to feel awe long after the discovery.)

  • "wonder-stricken silence": a quietness that results from being overwhelmed by wonder.

    • A wonder-stricken silence fell over the crowd as the eclipse reached totality. (Everyone was too amazed to speak.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Wonder-struck (adj): an alternative form meaning the same as "wonder-stricken."
    • The child was wonder-struck by the fireworks display. (The child was filled with awe.)
  • Wonder (n): a feeling of amazement and admiration caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar.
    • The Grand Canyon fills visitors with wonder. (A sense of awe.)
  • Stricken (adj): affected by something overwhelming or painful (often used in compounds like "grief-stricken").
    • The village was stricken by a sudden flood. (Affected severely.)
Synonyms
  • Awestruck: filled with a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
    • The tourists were awestruck by the towering cathedral. (Amazed and respectful.)
  • Amazed: greatly surprised; filled with wonder.
    • I was amazed at her ability to solve the puzzle so quickly. (Very surprised.)
  • Thunderstruck: extremely surprised or shocked, as if struck by lightning.
    • He was thunderstruck by the news of his promotion. (Completely astonished.)
Related Idioms
  • Struck dumb: rendered speechless by surprise or awe.
    • She was struck dumb by the sheer scale of the project. (Unable to speak due to amazement.)
  • Lost for words: unable to express oneself due to strong emotion.
    • The professor was lost for words when he saw the student's brilliant thesis. (Too amazed to speak.)