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

While Jim was stunned by the research, any improvement in Copilot could make Microsoft's software offerings more attractive. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 July 2026

The financial sector was stunned by the development, which was announced with about an hour left in the trading day. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026

LeBron James stunned the NBA -- and especailly the Miami Heat -- on Friday with his decision to next play for the Philadelphia 76ers. — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Amanoi isn’t new, but this nearly perfect coastal hotel spills down the side of a mountain in a remote national park in Vietnam and continues to stun at every turn. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 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