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 of stun

Verb

• daze
• paralyze
• rock
• hit

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

On Friday, some were stunned by news of Herbst’s resignation — including the mayor. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026

The Blue Jays feel fortunate the Twins did move Varland, who was stunned when Zoll called with the news. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Shotguns are powerful up close and can stun enemies for melee hit while ranged weapons are best for adversaries with devastating close-up attacks. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

During the last song in particular, Zegler stunned crowds in London by performing on the balcony of the theater which was then projected inside the venue. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for stun

• bun
• done
• dun
• fun
• gun
• hun
• jun
• none
• nun
• one
• pun
• run

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