stupefy

verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈstü-pə-ˌfī 

ˈstyü-

stupefied; stupefying

transitive verb

1

: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible

2

: astonish, astound

stupefyingly

ˈstü-pə-ˌfī-iŋ-lē 

ˈstyü-

adverb

Synonyms

• amaze
• stun
• surprise
• astonish
• startle
• shock

Examples of stupefy in a Sentence

stupefied by the ruling that he could not compete because he missed the qualifying age by two days

Recent Examples on the Web

Modern Paris is an elegant monument to Haussmann’s profligacy; he was fired for spending stupefying sums of public money to force it up like winter tulips. —Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025

Investors are stupefied by a week of whipsawing markets, with little relief in sight. —Jeffrey Marcus, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

The past proves stupefying, in fact, considering how Black people emerged out of the inhumane system of slavery and gained a semblance of equality. —Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019

On view are a stupefying assemblage of paintings among the most celebrated from the Impressionist movement and Modernism more broadly. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stupifien, modification of Latin stupefacere, from stupēre to be astonished + facere to make, do — more at do

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stupefy

• beefy
• leafy

Kids Definition

stupefy

verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī 

stupefied; stupefying

1

: astonish, bewilder

the strange sight stupefied the crowd

2

: to make stupid, groggy, or numb

stupefied by the huge meal

Medical Definition

stupefy

transitive verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī 

stupefied; stupefying

: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible

stupefied by anesthesia