First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1amaze
verb \ə-ˈmāz\
: to surprise and sometimes confuse (someone) very much : to fill (someone) with wonder
amazedamaz·ing
Full Definition of AMAZE
transitive verb
2
: to fill with wonder : astound
intransitive verb
: to show or cause astonishment
— amaz·ed·ly \-ˈmā-zəd-lē\ adverb
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Origin of AMAZE
Middle English amasen, from Old English āmasian, from ā- (perfective prefix) + *masian to confuse — more at abide
Related to AMAZE
Synonym Discussion of AMAZE
surprise, astonish, astound, amaze, flabbergast mean to impress forcibly through unexpectedness. surprise stresses causing an effect through being unexpected but not necessarily unusual or novel <surprised to find them at home>. astonish implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible <a discovery that astonished the world>. astound stresses the shock of astonishment <too astounded to respond>. amaze suggests an effect of bewilderment <amazed by the immense size of the place>. flabbergast may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay <flabbergasted by his angry refusal>.
2amaze
noun
AMAZES Defined for Kids
amaze
verb \ə-ˈmāz\
amazedamaz·ing
Definition of AMAZE for Kids
: to surprise or puzzle very much <His skill with the ball amazed us.>
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