Agape-mouthed

Describing a state of open-mouthed astonishment, wonder, or shock. This expression highlights a physical manifestation of surprise, where the mouth is involuntarily opened wide. It suggests a feeling of being completely taken aback, often due to an unexpected or extraordinary event. The open mouth is a visual cue to the intensity of the emotional response, conveying a sense of disbelief or awe. The subject's speech or other actions may be temporarily suspended due to the overwhelming nature of the experience.

Agape-mouthed meaning with examples

• The audience sat agape-mouthed as the magician levitated a grand piano, defying gravity and belief. Their initial gasps of surprise gave way to awe as the instrument floated effortlessly above the stage. Whispers of 'How?' and 'Impossible!' rippled through the crowd as the performance continued.
• Little Lily was agape-mouthed when her parents unveiled her surprise trip to Disneyland. Her wide, silent expression was enough to show how amazed she was at the big and generous gesture. This look was soon followed by a squeal of excited delight, jumping up and down, thrilled with the news.
• Reading the historical document, the historian became agape-mouthed upon discovering the truth about the buried secrets. The previously hidden revelations dramatically altered her understanding of a pivotal historical era. This gave the historians a rush, an intense adrenaline surge.
• After winning the lottery, John was agape-mouthed, staring blankly at the winning numbers. He looked at the numbers time and time again. This was an unbelievable thing to happen in his life. The initial disbelief gradually gave way to euphoria, then, it looked as though he would explode with excitement.
• The news reporter on the scene was left agape-mouthed by the aftermath of the shocking disaster. He had never seen anything like it before and was shocked and surprised by this new thing he had witnessed. His face portrayed a mixture of shock and compassion as he began to process all the tragic details.