dazzle

/ˈdæzl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdæzl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈda-zəl/ (ame, mw)

dazzle — verb

  • dazzlepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • dazzleshe / she / it
  • dazzledpast simple
  • dazzling-ing form

1. When a strong or sudden light source dazzles you, your eyes cannot see normally

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

When a strong or sudden light source dazzles you, your eyes cannot see normally for a brief period because the brightness overwhelms them.

例句

The headlights of the oncoming car dazzled Mei-Lin, so she slowed down and pulled over.

passive alternative: be dazzled by [bright light source]

Emerging from the dark cinema, Theo was dazzled by the midday sun and squinted for a few seconds.

同義詞
  • blind

    stronger and more permanent — suggests total loss of vision, not just temporary glare

  • glare

    describes the light itself, not the effect on a person (the sun glares; it does not glare you)

反義詞
  • shade

    to block or reduce light, the opposite of exposing someone to bright light

文法句型

[bright light source] + dazzle + [person]

[person] + be dazzled + by + [bright light source]

用法筆記

Often used in the passive construction 'be dazzled by [light source]'. This sense is physical — it describes a temporary loss of clear vision, not a feeling of admiration. Distinguish from Sense 2, which describes an emotional reaction.

常見錯誤

❌The sun dazzled on the water.
✅The sun dazzled me as it reflected off the water.
💡Dazzle is almost always transitive; you need a person as the object of the verb.
❌I was blinded by the headlights for a minute.
✅I was dazzled by the headlights for a minute.
💡'Blind' suggests permanent or complete loss of sight; 'dazzle' means temporary difficulty seeing.

2. To fill someone with strong admiration and wonder, usually because of exceptiona

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

To fill someone with strong admiration and wonder, usually because of exceptional beauty, skill, intelligence, or a brilliant performance.

例句

The young pianist dazzled the audience with her emotional performance of Chopin.

[person] + dazzle + [audience] + with + [skill]

Javier was dazzled by the modern architecture of the new museum and visited it three times.

同義詞
  • impress

    more general and less intense — you can be impressed without being dazzled

  • amaze

    focuses on surprise and wonder rather than brilliance

  • overwhelm

    can be positive or negative; dazzle is always positive

  • fascinate

    suggests deep, sustained interest rather than a sudden brilliant impression

反義詞
  • disappoint

    to fail to meet expectations, the opposite of impressing greatly

  • bore

    to cause tiredness through dullness, opposite of exciting admiration

文法句型

[person/performance] + dazzle + [audience/observer]

[person] + be dazzled + by + [person/display/skill]

用法筆記

Unlike Sense 1, this meaning is metaphorical and expresses a positive emotional reaction. The passive form ('be dazzled by') is very common. The active form often includes a 'with' phrase that names the impressive quality.

常見錯誤

❌The singer blinded the crowd with her voice.
✅The singer dazzled the crowd with her voice.
💡'Blind' in a figurative sense is negative (deceive or prevent understanding); 'dazzle' is positive (amaze and impress).