stun

1 of 2

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Not only are the water and sunset views spectacular, but the drinks stun, too. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 14 Nov. 2024 Eight years ago, Trump stunned the nation by winning Michigan by 10,704 votes, about two-tenths of a percentage point, over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, en route to claiming the White House. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 Some pediatricians are stunned by the possibility that vaccines proven to save kids’ lives could be banned in a second Trump administration. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Witherspoon stunned in a black Dior strapless dress that featured floral and butterfly detailing that cascaded down the bodice and tulle skirt. Chiara Kim, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stun 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stun was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stun

Cite this Entry

“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stun. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stun

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!