stun

[stuhn]

verb (used with object)

stunned, stunning 

1. to deprive of consciousness or strength by or as if by a blow, fall, etc..

   The blow to his jaw stunned him for a moment.

2. to astonish; astound; amaze.

   Her wit stunned the audience.

3. to shock; overwhelm.

   The world was stunned by the attempted assassination.

4. to daze or bewilder by noise.

   Synonyms: stupefy

verb (used without object)

1. to cause astonishment or amazement.

   She stunned in a black and silver beaded gown, accessorized with a sparkly clutch.

noun

1. the act of stunning.

2. the condition of being stunned.

stun

/ stʌn /

verb

1. to render unconscious, as by a heavy blow or fall

2. to shock or overwhelm

3. to surprise or astound

noun

1. the state or effect of being stunned

Word History and Origins

Origin of stun¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English stonen, stunen (verb), from Old French estoner “to shake, make resound”; astonish

Word History and Origins

Origin of stun¹

C13 stunen, from Old French estoner to daze, stupefy, from Vulgar Latin extonāre (unattested), from Latin _ex- ¹ + tonāre to thunder

Synonym Study

See shock ¹.

Example Sentences

Michaels said he was “stunned” by CBS’ cancellation of “The Late Show,” but added, “I don’t think any of us are going to ever know” if the decision was political.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, just as it seemed Ali would crumble, he staged a stunning rally.

From Los Angeles Times

“Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops,” he said to the 800 likely stunned souls in the room.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters are often stunned when Fonda shows up on their doorstep.

From Los Angeles Times

It took a few more years and additional pressures to unseat the ruling party, but the symbolism was stunning and effective.

From Salon

Related Words

• amaze 
• astonish 
• astound 
• bemuse 
• bewilder 
• confound 
• confuse 
• daze 
• dumbfound 
• flabbergast 
• knock out 
• overcome 
• overpower 
• overwhelm 
• paralyze 
• rock 
• shake up 
• surprise