Siderado

Siderado (from the Latin sideratus, meaning "struck by a star" or "planet-stricken") is a relatively archaic term used primarily in Portuguese and Spanish. It describes a state of bewilderment, astonishment, or being overwhelmed, often to the point of near paralysis, usually caused by something sudden, unexpected, or extraordinary. The feeling is one of being stunned or disoriented, as if one has been struck by some celestial force.

The word carries a connotation beyond mere surprise; it implies a deeper sense of being mentally or emotionally incapacitated. It suggests a moment where comprehension fails and one is left in a state of stunned silence or inaction. It can also be used to describe a temporary loss of reason or composure due to intense shock or amazement.

The concept historically links to the astrological belief that celestial bodies (stars and planets) could exert direct influence on human affairs and mental states. To be "siderado" suggested a person was a direct victim of such influence. While the astrological connection is largely absent in modern usage, the sense of being overwhelmed by an external, almost incomprehensible force remains.

The word is less common in contemporary language but still appears in literature and occasionally in colloquial speech, particularly in older generations. Its figurative meaning emphasizes the powerful and disruptive effect of sudden shock or amazement.