v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Astonished p. pr. & vb. n. Astonishing. ] [ OE. astonien, astunian, astonen, OF. estoner, F. étonner, fr. L. ex out + tonare to thunder, but perhaps influenced by E. stun. See Thunder, Astound, Astony. ] 1. To stun; to render senseless, as by a blow. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Enough, captain; you have astonished him. [ Fluellen had struck Pistol ]. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] The very cramp-fish [ i. e., torpedo ] . . . being herself not benumbed, is able to astonish others. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To strike with sudden fear, terror, or wonder; to amaze; to surprise greatly, as with something unaccountable; to confound with some sudden emotion or passion. [ 1913 Webster ] Musidorus . . . had his wits astonished with sorrow. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ] I, Daniel . . . was astonished at the vision. Dan. viii. 27. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To amaze; astound; overwhelm; surprise. -- Astonished, Surprised. We are surprised at what is unexpected. We are astonished at what is above or beyond our comprehension. We are taken by surprise. We are struck with astonishment. C. J. Smith. See Amaze. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
