éblouir

to dazzle, to blind (with light)

verb eh-bloo-EER Rare

Origin: From é- (intensifier) + Old French bloïr, probably of Germanic origin akin to bleich (pale, blinding)

Also means

to overwhelm, astound

Usage Note

Éblouir means literally to blind or dazzle with bright light (le soleil m'éblouit) and figuratively to overwhelm with brilliance or talent (elle a ébloui le public). The related adjective éblouissant (dazzling) and noun éblouissement (dazzling, sudden vertigo) are common in both registers.

Examples

"Le soleil couchant éblouit les conducteurs."

Natural Translation

The setting sun dazzles drivers.

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