stupefy

[ stoo-puh-fahy, styoo- ]
See synonyms for stupefy on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),stu·pe·fied, stu·pe·fy·ing.
  1. to put into a state of little or no sensibility; benumb the faculties of; put into a stupor.

  2. to stun, as with a narcotic, a shock, or a strong emotion.

  1. to overwhelm with amazement; astound; astonish.

Origin of stupefy

1
1590–1600; <Middle French stupefier ≪ Latin stupefacere to benumb, equivalent to stupe-, stem of stupēre to be numb or stunned + facere to make, do1; see -fy

Other words from stupefy

  • stu·pe·fied·ness [stoo-puh-fahyd-nis, -fahy-id-, styoo-], /ˈstu pəˌfaɪd nɪs, -ˌfaɪ ɪd-, ˈstyu-/, noun
  • stu·pe·fi·er, noun
  • stu·pe·fy·ing·ly, adverb
  • un·stu·pe·fied, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use stupefy in a sentence

  • A drop of chloroform on the bottom of the box at once stupefies the capture so that it can be taken out and otherwise disposed of.

  • I do nothing without gaiety; continuation and a too obstinate endeavour, darkens, stupefies, and tires my judgment.

    The Essays of Montaigne, Complete | Michel de Montaigne
  • A melancholic and dull tranquillity may be enough for me, but it benumbs and stupefies me; I am not contented with it.

    The Essays of Montaigne, Complete | Michel de Montaigne
  • Tell me, Herr Timar, how could you get such a Moggor rose whose scent stupefies?

  • They smoke also the leaves of a kind of hemp called dacha, which stupefies and intoxicates.

    Torrey's Narrative | William Torrey

British Dictionary definitions for stupefy

stupefy

/ (ˈstjuːpɪˌfaɪ) /


verb-fies, -fying or -fied (tr)
  1. to render insensitive or lethargic

  2. to confuse or astound

Origin of stupefy

1
C16: from Old French stupefier, from Latin stupefacere; see stupefacient

Derived forms of stupefy

  • stupefier, noun
  • stupefying, adjective
  • stupefyingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012