Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

stunt

verb (1)
\ 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

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about stunt

Statistics for stunt

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for stunt

The first known use of stunt was in 1583

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

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

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on stunt

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with stunt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stunt

Spanish Central: Translation of stunt

Nglish: Translation of stunt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of stunt for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stunt

Comments on stunt

What made you want to look up stunt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

remittance

Listen to the pronounciation of remittance

a sum of money that is sent as a payment

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

  • time traveler quiz which word came first
  • Which came first?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games