Words / B1

GOBSM-akt/ˈɡɒbsmækt/

Gobsmacked means so surprised you cannot speak (UK informal; gob is mouth). Astonished and stunned are more formal; speechless is close. Collocation: absolutely gobsmacked; gobsmacked when / that. Adjective. Quite strong — not for small surprises.

Meaning

So surprised that you cannot speak (UK informal).

Examples

• “I was gobsmacked when they offered me the job on the spot.”
• “We were gobsmacked at the price of a coffee in the station.”
• “She was gobsmacked when her name was called as the winner.”

Good to know

gobsmacked (UK informal) = astonished. absolutely gobsmacked. Neutral: stunned / amazed.

Near in meaning

astonished, stunned

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