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 Dallas Cowboys stunned the NFL world when it was announced that the team had chosen to move on from Mike McCarthy as head coach. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Joao Fonseca of Brazil, 18, stunned No. 9 Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the first round after winning the Next Gen ATP Finals title last month in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. —Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Watch the video above to see a cheerleader stunned when her school mascot turns out to be her mom! —Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

As firefighters continued to battle massive wildfires Friday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stunned many observers with an extraordinary television interview. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

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