Definition of "astonishment" in English

noun

1. The feeling or experience of being astonished; great surprise.

   • The class looked on in astonishment as their teacher proceeded to tear the pages out of the textbook.
   • 1630, John Milton, “On Shakespear” in Poems of Mr. John Milton, London: Ruth Raworth, 1645 p. 27, Thou in our wonder and astonishment Hast built thy self a live-long Monument.

2. Something very surprising.

   • (colloquial)

3. (obsolete) Loss of physical sensation; inability to move a part of the body.

4. (obsolete) Loss of mental faculties, inability to think or use one's senses.

5. (obsolete) Loss of composure or presence of mind.