stupefaction

noun

stu·​pe·​fac·​tion ˌstü-pə-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce stupefaction (audio)
ˌstyü-
: the act of stupefying : the state of being stupefied

Examples of stupefaction in a Sentence

upon hearing the unexpected news, she just sat there in total stupefaction
Recent Examples on the Web Advertisement The depth of my stupefaction is at the center of a debate playing out on social media, prompted by what seemed to be a definitive ruling on the matter from ketchup giant Heinz. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 3 July 2023 As usual, however, TIME's selection has stirred up disagreement/bemusement/stupefaction. Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2010 Glimpses of both are embedded inside her bracing work, along with a healthy dose of stupefaction and bewilderment. Christopher Knightart Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2022 So here’s a handy guide to stick it to your co-conversants and have their heads nodding at your bon mots in sublime stupefaction. Andy Kessler, WSJ, 13 June 2021 The ‘Brexit’ series has only heightened this sense of entertainment and stupefaction. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 29 May 2021 Marsalis’s expression combines shock, dismay, amusement, stupefaction, and something like resignation. BostonGlobe.com, 1 Apr. 2021 The tourists, speaking in bad French, shake their heads in stupefaction. New York Times, 7 Feb. 2021 The state doesn't have to identify the specific substance that caused stupefaction, according to Gerol. Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stupefaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stupefaccioun, from Medieval Latin stupefaction-, stupefactio, from Latin stupefacere

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stupefaction was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near stupefaction

Cite this Entry

“Stupefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupefaction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

stupefaction

noun
stu·​pe·​fac·​tion ˌst(y)ü-pə-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce stupefaction (audio)
: the act of stupefying or the state of being stupefied
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