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

University of Central Arkansas economist Jeremy Horpedahl was stunned by Polson's productivity. — Todd Wallack The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

This was just one example that created plenty of confusion for viewers at home, while the home Missouri crowd was left stunned. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

The Hunger Games star’s remark stunned the comedian, leading to a number of memes and a wave of virality, so much so that Wood collaborated with Smoothie King. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2026

Maximilian’s ouster and death stunned many Europeans, who blamed Napoleon III for the bloodshed. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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