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 neither the first nor the worst school shooting, Columbine stunned the nation and the world. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Although carveouts for vehicular manslaughter became the law in California more than half a century ago, Lyman and her family were stunned by it, and would beg the court for just a 30-day sentence. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

North Miami business owner Sabine Dulcio was stunned the week before Haitians on Temporary Protected Status lost their authorization to legally work in the United States. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Nascimento’s sudden death stunned the mixed martial arts community. — David K. Li, NBC news, 4 Aug. 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