To amaze means to fill someone with wonder and surprise, often because something is so impressive, unexpected, or remarkable that it's hard to believe. When a magician pulls a rabbit from an empty hat, the audience is amazed. When scientists discover a new species living in the deepest ocean trenches, the finding amazes the research community.

The word suggests something extraordinary that makes you think, “How is that even possible?” A gymnast's triple backflip amazes the crowd. A friend who memorizes an entire poem overnight might amaze you with their dedication and memory. You might be surprised by a pop quiz, but you're amazed by feats that seem to defy explanation or expectation.

When you're amazed, you often feel a mixture of delight, curiosity, and admiration all at once. The feeling is similar to astonishment or wonder, but amaze often carries a positive sense of being impressed rather than just shocked. You can also feel amazement (the noun form) when experiencing something extraordinary, like the amazement of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time or watching someone solve a seemingly impossible puzzle.