Bedazzled

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Extremely impressed or startled by something shining brightly ; adorned with elements that sparkle or glitter to attract attention
2. Overwhelmed with amazement due to brilliant display or charm ; embellished with shiny or glimmering decorations for visual effect
3. Captivated by dazzling brilliance or stunning appeal ; decorated with sparkling details to create an eye-catching appearance

Etymology: The verb "bedazzle" is formed in English from the prefix "be-" and the verb "dazzle," and the "-ed" ending makes it the past tense and past participle. The prefix traces back through Old English "be-" to a Proto-Germanic root, so it is an old English building block rather than a borrowed one. "Dazzle" itself is a much more recent verb, a frequentative formed from "daze," so the compound is a layering of two English materials. The "be-" prefix did real work in English. Attached to a verb, it can mean "thoroughly" or "all over," as in "besprinkle" or "bewitch," and it often turns a verb into one that acts on its object. "Bedazzle" thus carries the sense of dazzling someone or something completely, overwhelming them with light or impressive appeal, which is why the word moved easily from literal glare to figurative fascination.

Synonyms: dazzled, impressed

Antonyms: unimpressed