amazement

plural amazements

1. uncountableThe condition of being amazed; a state of overwhelming wonder, as from surprise or sudden fear, horror, or admiration; a feeling of intense astonishment or awe, as from witnessing something incredible and impressive.

   We stared in amazement at the skills on display.

   2 more examples

   The amazement that painting sparked in me lasted until the tour guide jolted me out of it.

   Eustace gaped at him in amazement. When his urbanity dropped away from him, as now, he had an innocence of expression which was almost infantile. It was as if the world had never touched him at all.

   1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 9, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC

   Synonyms: awe, astonishment, astoundment, fascination, stupefaction

2. archaiccountableA particular feeling of wonder, surprise, fear, or horror.

   In the midst of ill rumours and amazements, his countenance changeth not.

   1791, “Character of the faithful Man”, in Aphorisms concerning the Assurance of Faith, Philadelphia: W. Young, page 60

   2 more examples

   Were believers thoroughly persuaded of what God meaneth, by these things, they would not be so liable to those frights and amazements which distract and disturb them.

   1682, Samuel Willard, The fiery tryal no strange thing, Boston: Samuel Sewell, page 16

   Certain points, crises, certain feelings, joys, griefs and amazements, when reviewed, must strike us as things wildered and whirling.

   1853, Charlotte Bronte, chapter 41, in Villette

3. countabledatedSomething which amazes.

   So impossible did it seem that such an amazement of horse-flesh could ever be hers.

   1913, Jack London, chapter 21, in The Valley of the Moon

   1 more example

   I believe the Urchin showed more enthusiasm over the stone and the robin than over any of the amazements that succeeded them.

   1918, Christopher Morley, “The Urchin at the Zoo,”, in Mince Pie

4. countableobsoleteuncountableMadness, frenzy.