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

Verb

• daze
• rock

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

At the May 5 event, dubbed fashion's biggest night, Zendaya stunned with a dapper, tailored Louis Vuitton white suit with a matching brimmed hat. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2025

The year before the rival Raiders stunned the Chiefs 20-14 in one of the worst offensive performances of Mahomes’ Chiefs tenure. —Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Keisha is bound for Howard University, while Justin stunned his parents with the decision to defer his first year at Northwestern in order to pursue his love for music. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 May 2025

The Mavericks had a 1.8% chance to claim the top position and the result stunned the entire league. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025

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