Dumbstruck
/ˈdʌm.strʌk/noun
So astonished or shocked that one is temporarily unable to speak.
Did you know?The word dumb originally meant unable to speak, while its meaning “lacking intelligence” developed later; dumbstruck preserves the older, literal sense.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*dumbaz
“Mute or unable to speak; origin uncertain, possibly expressive in form”
Old English
Old English
dumb
“Mute, silent, or unable to speak”
Old English
Old English
strīcan
“To strike, rub, or move forcefully”
Middle English
Middle English
dumb
“Silent or speechless; the sense “stupid” was also beginning to develop”
17th Century
English
dumb-struck
“Rendered speechless by astonishment or shock”
Modern English
English
dumbstruck
“Overwhelmed with surprise, shock, or amazement”