gobsmacks

Leaves jaw dropped

Gobsmacks is the verb form of gobsmack, British slang meaning to astonish or astound completely.

The word combines gob (mouth) with smack, evoking shock so strong it's like being struck in the face: The verdict gobsmacks everyone in the courtroom.

The adjective gobsmacked is more common than the verb.

astonishment

flabbergasts

Overwhelms with shock

stunsOverwhelms with shock
astoundsShocks with amazement
amazesCauses great wonder

dumbfounds · stupefies · staggers · bowls over · floors · shocks · startles · bewilders · overwhelms · blindsides

impact

punches

Forceful fist strikes

hitsBlows or successes
strikesRefusals to work collectively
whacksSharp, forceful strikes

clouts · slugs · thumps · bashes · clobbers · slaps · belts · socks · bops · pops

Opposites

intensity of emotional impact

gobsmacksbores

Drills or tires

underwhelms · numbs · dulls · puts to sleep · disappoints

surprise vs. expectation

gobsmacksreassures

Restores another's confidence

meets expectations · confirms · validates · bears out

Family

gobsmacked, gobsmack, gobsmacking

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