Pronunciation: [dˈʌmfa͡ʊndə] (IPA) 
The word "dumbfounder" is spelled with a "d" followed by "umb" and then "founder." The first syllable "dum" is pronounced as /dʌm/ which rhymes with "bum" or "sum." The next syllable "boun" is pronounced as /baʊn/ which rhymes with "down" or "brown." The final syllable "der" is pronounced as /dər/ which rhymes with "her" or "fur." This word means to cause someone to feel shocked or amazed.
Dumbfounder is a noun that refers to a person or thing that causes someone to be utterly astonished or flabbergasted, rendering them speechless or dumbfounded. The term combines the words "dumb" - meaning unable to speak - and "founder" - meaning someone who stumbles or founders due to surprise or shock.
A dumbfounder typically prompts a sudden and extreme state of amazement, confusion, or disbelief in someone, leaving them temporarily at a loss for words or unable to comprehend what they are experiencing or witnessing. It denotes a person, event, or situation that is so unexpected or extraordinary that it defies explanation and leaves someone in a state of mental bewilderment.
The concept of a dumbfounder can be applied to a wide range of circumstances, including witnessing an astonishing magic trick, hearing an unbelievable and improbable story, encountering an unexpected turn of events, or being confronted with surprising and inexplicable behavior. The sensation of being dumbfounded can evoke mixed emotions, including awe, disbelief, shock, or even amusement.
The term "dumbfounder" emphasizes the idea that such a phenomenon is so profound or unexpected that it renders someone momentarily incapable of articulating or making sense of their thoughts or emotions. It is often used to describe a truly surprising or mind-boggling experience that leaves a lasting impression on someone.
The word "dumbfounder" is a derivative of the verb "dumbfound", which means to astonish or bewilder someone to the point of being speechless.
Etymologically, "dumbfound" combines two elements: "dumb" and "found".
- "Dumb" originates from the Old English word "dumb", which meant "silent" or "mute". Over time, it also came to mean "stupid" or "lacking the power of speech".
- "Found" is derived from the Old English word "fundian", meaning "to find" or "to discover".
The term "dumbfound", as a verb, originated in the late 17th century, combining "dumb" and "found", implying to "render speechless like a dumb person who has unexpectedly found something".
