ASTONISHED' (4 letters) The term ASTOUNDED STATE can be broken down into two crossword solutions: AWE (3 letters) and ASTONISHED (4 letters). AWE is an emotion of admiration, respect, or fear in response to something powerful or majestic. ASTONISHED is a feeling of surprise or wonder, often accompanied by a feeling of disbelief. Both of these words are used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or amazed by something.