stunt
1[ stuhnt ]
/ stʌnt /
verb (used with object)
to stop, slow down, or hinder the growth or development of; dwarf: A harsh climate stunted the trees. Brutal treatment in childhood stunted his personality.
noun
a stop or hindrance in growth or development.
arrested development.
a plant or animal hindered from attaining its proper growth.
Plant Pathology. a disease of plants, characterized by a dwarfing or stunting of the plant.
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Origin of stunt
11575–85; v. use of dial. stunt dwarfed, stubborn (Middle English; Old English: stupid); cognate with Middle High German stunz, Old Norse stuttr short; akin to stint1
OTHER WORDS FROM stunt
stunt·ing·ly, adverbstunt·y, adjectiveWords nearby stunt
stung, stunk, stunner, stunning, stunsail, stunt, stunt man, stunt person, stunt woman, stunted, stuntman
Definition for stunt (2 of 2)
stunt2
[ stuhnt ]
/ stʌnt /
noun
a performance displaying a person's skill or dexterity, as in athletics; feat: an acrobatic stunt.
any remarkable feat performed chiefly to attract attention: The kidnapping was said to be a publicity stunt.
verb (used without object)
to do a stunt or stunts.
Television Slang. to add specials, miniseries, etc., to a schedule of programs, especially so as to increase ratings.
verb (used with object)
to use in doing stunts: to stunt an airplane.
Origin of stunt
2An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for stunt
British Dictionary definitions for stunt (1 of 2)
stunt1
/ (stʌnt) /
verb
(tr) to prevent or impede the growth or development of (a plant, animal, etc)
noun
the act or an instance of stunting
a person, animal, or plant that has been stunted
Derived forms of stunt
stunted, adjectivestuntedness, nounWord Origin for stunt
C17 (as vb: to check the growth of): perhaps from C15 stont of short duration, from Old English stunt simple, foolish; sense probably influenced by Old Norse stuttr short in stature, dwarfed
British Dictionary definitions for stunt (2 of 2)
stunt2
/ (stʌnt) /
noun
an acrobatic, dangerous, or spectacular action
an acrobatic or dangerous piece of action in a film or television programme
anything spectacular or unusual done to gain publicity
verb
(intr) to perform a stunt or stunts
Word Origin for stunt
C19: US student slang, of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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