épater

to astonish

verb eh-pah-TEH Rare

Also means

to impress

Usage Note

Épater is a vivid colloquial verb meaning to dazzle or leave someone speechless with admiration. The phrase épater la galerie means 'to show off' or 'to play to the gallery.' The related adjective épatant means 'fantastic' or 'amazing' (slightly old-fashioned but still used).

Examples

"Ce tour de magie a épaté tout le monde."

Natural Translation

That magic trick astonished everyone.

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