As*ton"ish*ment (&?;), n. [Cf. OF. estonnement, F. étonnement.] 1. The condition of one who is stunned. Hence: Numbness; loss of sensation; stupor; loss of sense. [Obs.]

A coldness and astonishment in his loins, as folk say.
Holland.

2. Dismay; consternation. [Archaic] Spenser.

3. The overpowering emotion excited when something unaccountable, wonderful, or dreadful is presented to the mind; an intense degree of surprise; amazement.

Lest the place
And my quaint habits breed astonishment.
Milton.

4. The object causing such an emotion.

Thou shalt become an astonishment.
Deut. xxviii. 37.

Syn. -- Amazement; wonder; surprise.

• amazement, great surprise