thunderstruck

IPA

Dictionary definition of thunderstruck

Profound astonishment or shock caused by a sudden and unexpected event or revelation.
"The audience was thunderstruck when the magician made the elephant disappear before their eyes."

Detailed meaning of thunderstruck

It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed, as if struck by a powerful force like thunder during a storm. When someone is thunderstruck, they are completely taken aback, their senses momentarily stunned, unable to process or comprehend what has just occurred. It captures the feeling of being utterly amazed, dumbfounded, or speechless in the face of a surprising or extraordinary occurrence that leaves one in awe or disbelief. The word "thunderstruck" vividly depicts the intense impact of an unexpected event on an individual, emphasizing the magnitude of the shock experienced and the profound effect it has on their emotions and state of mind.

Example sentences containing thunderstruck

1. When he won the lottery, he was utterly thunderstruck by his luck.
2. Her unexpected resignation left the team feeling thunderstruck.
3. The news of their engagement left me completely thunderstruck.
4. I was thunderstruck to learn that my childhood friend was a famous actor.
5. Witnessing the meteor shower left us all thunderstruck with wonder.
6. The final plot twist in the movie left the audience thunderstruck.

History and etymology of thunderstruck

The adjective 'thunderstruck' can be traced back to its root word, 'thunder.' Thunder, in this context, refers to the loud, rumbling noise that accompanies lightning during a storm. The addition of the suffix '-struck' intensifies the root word, creating a word that conveys a sense of profound astonishment or shock caused by a sudden and unexpected event or revelation. It is as if the individual has been figuratively struck by the emotional force of the event, much like thunder strikes with great power and surprise during a storm. The etymology of 'thunderstruck' thus captures the essence of its meaning, describing a state of overwhelming surprise or astonishment akin to the sudden and startling impact of thunder.

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Further usage examples of thunderstruck

1. He was thunderstruck when he discovered his long-lost sibling.
2. Her incredible talent on the piano left everyone in the room thunderstruck.
3. The discovery of ancient treasure in their backyard left them thunderstruck.
4. I was thunderstruck by the breathtaking beauty of the sunset.
5. Learning the truth about his past left him thunderstruck and speechless.
6. As the lightning struck nearby, I stood there thunderstruck, unable to move or speak.
7. Sarah was thunderstruck when she found out she had won the lottery.
8. The team was thunderstruck by their victory, celebrating with sheer disbelief on their faces.
9. The professor's groundbreaking research left the scientific community thunderstruck.
10. I was thunderstruck when I saw my childhood friend after so many years.
11. The sudden announcement of her promotion left her thunderstruck with joy.
12. His breathtaking performance on stage left the audience thunderstruck.
13. The news of her sudden demise left the entire town thunderstruck.
14. The children were thunderstruck when they saw Santa Claus walking into their classroom.
15. The detective was thunderstruck when he uncovered the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.
16. We were thunderstruck when we witnessed the spectacular display of fireworks on New Year's Eve.
17. The unexpected twist in the plot left readers thunderstruck, eagerly turning the pages to find out more.
18. The thunderstruck expression on his face spoke volumes about his astonishment.
19. The little girl was thunderstruck when she saw her favorite princess at the theme park.
20. The incredible magic trick left everyone thunderstruck, wondering how it was possible.
21. The thunderstruck silence in the courtroom reflected the gravity of the verdict.
22. The unexpected announcement of their engagement left their families thunderstruck with joy.
23. The actor's powerful performance in the play left the audience thunderstruck, erupting into applause.
24. The breathtaking view from the mountaintop left us thunderstruck, taking our breath away.