Pronunciation: [am dˈʌmstɹʌk] (IPA) 
The phrase "am dumbstruck" is pronounced /əm ˈdʌmstrʌk/. The word "dumbstruck" is composed of the morphemes "dumb" and "struck", with "dumb" meaning unable to speak and "struck" meaning deeply affected or impressed. The "b" in "dumb" is silent, leading to the unusual spelling of "dumbstruck". This phrase is often used to describe someone who is so surprised or impressed that they are temporarily unable to speak or react.
To be "dumbstruck" is an idiomatic expression which refers to a state of being speechless or unable to speak due to a strong emotional reaction, intense surprise, shock, or astonishment. When someone is dumbstruck, they are left temporarily without the ability to articulate their thoughts or express themselves verbally.
The term "dumbstruck" primarily originates from combining two words: "dumb," meaning unable to speak, and "struck," meaning to be affected or impacted by something suddenly and forcefully. Therefore, when a person claims to be "dumbstruck," they essentially describe themselves as struck mute, often because of an unexpected or overwhelming event.
This state of being dumbstruck can manifest in various situations, such as witnessing a remarkable achievement, receiving unexpected news or information that leaves one in disbelief, or experiencing a deeply moving or traumatic event. It implies a momentary suspension of verbal communication, as the individual's thoughts and emotions momentarily overwhelm their ability to articulate a response.
In popular usage, "am dumbstruck" is often employed to convey an overwhelming sense of astonishment or disbelief. The term captures the feeling of being utterly dumbfounded, where conventional verbal expression fails, compelling one to resort to non-verbal communication or remain silent altogether.
The term "dumbstruck" is a compound word formed from two separate elements: "dumb" and "struck".
The word "dumb" comes from the Old English word "dumb" and originally meant "mute" or "speechless". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "dumbaz" which had a similar meaning. Over time, "dumb" began to be used as an adjective to describe someone who was unable to speak or lacked the power of speech. In its current usage, "dumb" refers to a state of being silent, as well as lacking intelligence or understanding.
The word "struck" comes from the Old English word "strēocan" which meant "to strike" or "to hit". It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "strikanan" and has roots in the Indo-European language family.
