dazzle

verb

daz·​zle ˈda-zəl 

dazzled; dazzling ˈdaz-liŋ 

ˈda-zə-liŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to lose clear vision especially from looking at bright light

2

a

: to shine brilliantly

… the woods dazzled whitely …

—Truman Capote

b

: to arouse admiration by an impressive display

She dazzles in her live concerts.

transitive verb

1

: to overpower with light

was dazzled by the camera flash

2

: to impress deeply, overpower, or confound with brilliance

dazzled us with her wit

dazzle noun

dazzler

ˈda-z(ə-)lər 

noun

Synonyms

• bedazzle
• blind
• daze

Examples of dazzle in a Sentence

Elvis always dazzled his audiences.

Visitors were dazzled by the mansion's ornate rooms.

She truly dazzles in her live concerts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Test yourself on Hollywood highlights, dazzling debuts and federal festivities inthis week's American Culture Quiz. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025

During the Wednesday, January 8 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, River and Remy dazzled the crowd during their first interview — and looked just like their mom while doing it. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

And for people approaching the Fania discography for the first time, the old albums still dazzle with their poetry and vision. —Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025

While preferring to start on the left and cutting inside onto his powerful right foot, the 22-year-old dazzled as Spain won the Euros last summer with his quick feet and positive runs down the flank. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of daze

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing dazzle

• razzle-dazzle

Kids Definition

dazzle

verb

daz·​zle ˈdaz-əl 

dazzled; dazzling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to overpower with light

the desert sunlight dazzled us

2

: to impress greatly or confuse with brilliance

dazzled the crowds with fiery speeches

dazzle noun

dazzler

-(ə-)lər 

noun

dazzlingly

-(ə-)liŋ-lē 

adverb