stunted; stunting; stunts
: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
stuntedness
noun
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
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
Examples of stunt in a Sentence
Verb (1)
unfortunately, an unusually dry summer seems to have permanently stunted the tree
Noun (2)
performs mental stunts, such as pronouncing words backwards as soon as you say them
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
In terms of stunts abroad, there was a massive 3D T-Rex head loomed over the new restaurant in Seongsu from June 18-30.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2025
John Hollinger, New York Times, 7 July 2025
As Ashe developed his skills, the opportunity to advance was stunted by segregation.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunt
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Noun
On stage, he’s known for wearing full-face masks and performing physically risky stunts, including one in 2008 that broke both of his heels, per Kerrang!.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
In terms of stunts abroad, there was a massive 3D T-Rex head loomed over the new restaurant in Seongsu from June 18-30.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2025
Verb
Extending him for two years and $67 million would more or less be in line with his market value without stunting any of Atlanta’s deal-making options.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 7 July 2025
As Ashe developed his skills, the opportunity to advance was stunted by segregation.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stunt
Cite this Entry
“Stunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stunt. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stunt
1 of 3 verb
: to hold back the normal growth, development, or progress of
stunt
2 of 3 noun
: an unusual or difficult feat performed or attempted usually to gain attention or publicity
stunt
3 of 3 verb
: to perform stunts
Etymology
Verb
from a dialect word stunt "stubborn, abrupt, stunted," probably of Scandinavian origin
Noun
origin unknown
Medical Definition
stunt
transitive verb
: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
an emotionally stunted child
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