planet-struck

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈplanɪtstɹʌk/

Adjective

planet-struck (comparative more planet-struck, superlative most planet-struck)

1. (archaic) Afflicted by the astrological influence of a planet; struck down with amazement or shock; panic-stricken. [from 17th c.]
   • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, I.2.4.VII:

     Budæus records how that, at Louis the Twelfth his death, ..., they that were erst in heaven, upon a sudden, as if they had been planet-strucken, lay grovelling on the ground ...

   • 1723, Charles Walker, Memoirs of Sally Salisbury, section VI:

     I protest I know not what Face the Moon bore at that time, but I am sure I appear'd like one Planet-struck, and retir'd, more fit indeed for a Grave than a Mistress.

   • 1792, Thomas Holcroft, Anna St. Ives, volume II, 23:

     I was planet-struck! Nor was his surprise less, when he saw me, and heard my errand and my name.

   • 1808–10, William Hickey, Memoirs of a Georgian Rake, Folio Society 1995, p. 234:

     [N]early a hundred officers all with their swords on […] had been drawn to the court-house in the hopes of entertainment from hearing Cressey abuse the judges, but who seemed quite planet-struck when the riot commenced, and more frightened than any other of the spectators!

   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 613:

     To be thus ‘planet-struck’ or ‘blasted’ was to be suddenly and inexplicably affected by a paralysing disease, apoplexy or other kind of sudden death.

Synonyms

• planet-stricken