flabbergast
verb
- to profoundly astonish, confuse someone
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈflæbə(ˌ)ɡɑːst/ / /ˈflæbɚˌɡæst/
noun
Etymology: The origin of the verb is uncertain; possibly dialectal (Suffolk), from flabby or flap (“to strike”) + aghast. The word may be related to Scottish flabrigast (“to boast”) or flabrigastit (“worn out with exertion”). The noun is derived from the verb.
- An awkward person.
- Overwhelming confusion, shock, or surprise.
“His flabbergast was so great he couldn’t even come up with a plausible answer.”
“Her foibles were flattery, fine feeling, and flabergast; and if not old enough to be his mother, sufficiently so to be a young aunt.”
verb
Etymology: The origin of the verb is uncertain; possibly dialectal (Suffolk), from flabby or flap (“to strike”) + aghast. The word may be related to Scottish flabrigast (“to boast”) or flabrigastit (“worn out with exertion”). The noun is derived from the verb.
- To overwhelm with bewilderment; to amaze, confound, or stun, especially in a ludicrous manner.
“He was flabbergasted to find that his work had been done for him before he began.”
“Her stupidity flabbergasts me, and I have to force myself to keep a straight face while she explains her beliefs.”