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

This Sunday marks one year since a shocking act of political violence stunned the state. —Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 12 June 2026

The crowd appears stunned at how New York has started the game. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026

Led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points, 13 of which came in the fourth, New York capped off regulation with an 11-0 run to stun the young Spurs and win 105-95. —Leocciano Callao, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Algeria made its World Cup debut in 1982 and stunned two-time champion West Germany 2-1 in its opening match. —Pete Grathoff june 10, Kansas City Star, 10 June 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