breathtaking

/ˌbrɛθˈteɪkɪŋ/

/ˈbrɛθteɪkɪŋ/

Other forms: breathtakingly

When something is breathtaking, it astonishes or amazes you. A breathtaking work of art can leave you speechless and deeply moved.

The adjective breathtaking comes from the earlier phrase "take one's breath away," meaning "leave one breathless with amazement and delight." Anything that produces that feeling in you can be described as breathtaking. You might be astonished at the breathtaking view from the top of a mountain, or moved to tears by a breathtaking film. Beautiful things are often breathtaking.

Definitions of breathtaking

1. adjective

   so awe-inspiring or astonishing as to cause suspension of regular breathing
   “breathtaking adventure”

   synonyms: breathless

   exciting

   creating or arousing excitement