stun

1 of 2

verb

ˈstən 

stunned; stunning

transitive verb

1

: to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow : daze

2

: to shock with noise

3

: to overcome especially with paralyzing astonishment or disbelief

stun

2 of 2

noun

: the effect of something that stuns : shock

Synonyms

Verb

• daze
• rock

Examples of stun in a Sentence

Verb

The angry criticism stunned them.

His old friends were stunned at his success.

She sat in stunned disbelief.

There was a stunned expression on her face.

weapons that can stun people temporarily

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The endangered turtle was hypothermic and lethargic, stunned by the chilly waters of Pedder Bay. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Blake Lively stuns in white at the CFDA Fashion Awards on Oct. 28 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

That whole ordeal left an entire locker room stunned and crestfallen. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Twenty years ago, the Red Sox became the first MLB club to rebound from a 3-0 postseason deficit, as David Ortiz & Co. stunned the Yankees in the ALCS on their way to winning Boston’s first title in 86 years. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English stonen, stunen, from Anglo-French estoner — more at astonish

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1727, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stun

• stun grenade
• stun gun

Kids Definition

stun

verb

ˈstən

stunned; stunning

1

: to make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow

2

: to overcome with astonishment or disbelief

stunned by the news

stun noun

Medical Definition

stun

transitive verb

ˈstən 

stunned; stunning

: to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow