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stunt

verb (1)
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\ ˈstənt How to pronounce stunt (audio) \
stunted; stunting; stunts

Definition of stunt

 (Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of

stunt

noun (1)

Definition of stunt (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : one (such as an animal) that is stunted
2 : a check in growth
3 : a disease of plants (such as corn) in which dwarfing occurs

stunt

noun (2)

Definition of stunt (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : an unusual or difficult feat requiring great skill or daring especially : one performed or undertaken chiefly to gain attention or publicity
2 : a shifting or switching of the positions by defensive players at the line of scrimmage in football to disrupt the opponent's blocking efforts

stunt

verb (2)
stunted; stunting; stunts

Definition of stunt (Entry 4 of 4)

intransitive verb

: to perform or engage in a stunt

Other Words from stunt

Verb (1)

stuntedness noun

First Known Use of stunt

Verb (1)

1583, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1917, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for stunt

Verb (1)

English dialect stunt stubborn, stunted, abrupt, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stuttr scant — more at stint entry 1

Noun (2)

origin unknown

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Cite this Entry

“Stunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stunt. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for stunt

stunt

noun
\ ˈstənt How to pronounce stunt (audio) \

Kids Definition of stunt

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an unusual or difficult performance or act acrobatic stunts
2 : something done for the purpose of gaining attention or publicity

stunt

verb
stunted; stunting

Kids Definition of stunt (Entry 2 of 2)

: to hold back the normal growth of There are no trees on the island except the small one stunted by the wind.— Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins

stunt

transitive verb
\ ˈstənt How to pronounce stunt (audio) \

Medical Definition of stunt

: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of an emotionally stunted child

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More from Merriam-Webster on stunt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stunt

Nglish: Translation of stunt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of stunt for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stunt

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