stun

1 of 2

verb

ˈstən How to pronounce stun (audio)
stunned; stunning
Synonyms of stunnext

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 of stun

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Verb

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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
She was stunned how closely autism’s description fit her creative, sensitive girl — her strong need for routine, social anxiety, challenges with communication and sensory processing. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 My cellphone hasn’t stopped pinging with messages from friends who are stunned by the news. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Innanen stuns as Paul Baker — full name all the time — a Canadian newcomer to the group who becomes integral to his friends’ emotional processing all while operating as the resident Gen-Z eye candy. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 The final price tag stunned the industry and reflected a confluence of factors inside and outside San Diego. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing stun

Rhymes for stun

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Browse Nearby Words

stums
stun
Stundism
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Cite this Entry

“Stun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stun. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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 How to pronounce stun (audio)
stunned; stunning
: to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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