French word

stupéfaction

Pronunciation

IPA/stypefaksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsurprise

Example

J'ai ressenti une stupéfaction en apprenant la nouvelle.

I felt a sense of surprise when I heard the news.

Illustration for stupéfaction (surprise)

More examples

Il est resté bouche bée, presque en stupéfaction.

He remained speechless, almost in astonishment.

Core concept

A sudden shock leaves the mind and body momentarily locked in astonishment.

Common phrases

  • être saisi de stupéfaction

    be struck with astonishment

  • une vague de stupéfaction

    a wave of astonishment

Similar words

surprise: A feeling of surprise caused by an unexpected event.
étonnement: A feeling of surprise at something different from what was expected.

Definition in French

État de grand étonnement qui paralyse temporairement la parole ou l'action.

Word origin

The French noun stupéfaction is a learned formation from Latin stupefactio, the act or result of making someone stunned.

Usage tips

  • Stupéfaction sounds formal or literary; everyday French often uses surprise, surpris, or étonné for less extreme reactions.

Other meanings

  • astonishmentnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word