SKIP TO CONTENT

gobsmacked

/ˌgɑbˈsmækt/
/ˈgɒbsmækt/
IPA guide

To be gobsmacked is to be very surprised or astonished. You'd probably be gobsmacked if an alien spaceship landed in your front yard.

Imagine how stunned you'd be if you were abruptly smacked in the mouth for no reason: This is where the word gobsmacked originated, from the Irish gob, or "mouth," and smack, or "hit." When you're gobsmacked, you're utterly shocked, overwhelmed, or taken aback. "When my dog was elected mayor of our town, we were all gobsmacked."

Definitions of gobsmacked
  1. adjective
    completely shocked or astonished
    synonyms:
    surprised
    taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘gobsmacked'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family