staggerment

English

Etymology

Coined by J. R. R. Tolkien, from stagger +‎ -ment

Noun

staggerment (uncountable)

1. The state of feeling staggered or overwhelmed.
   • 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit:

     To say that Bilbo's breath was taken away is no description at all. There are no words left to express his staggerment, since Men changed the language that they learned of elves in the days when all the world was wonderful.

   • 1986, Lois McMaster Bujold, Cordelia's Honor:

     "Yes, sir." Illyan's voice was thin with his staggerment.

   • 2010, David McCasland, Oswald Chambers, Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest:

     I have not felt any blow so much since little Normie died in 1908. It is not hopeless sorrow or resentment, but sheer staggerment.