stunt

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈstənt 

stunted; stunting; stunts

transitive verb

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

stuntedness noun

stunt

2 of 4

noun (1)

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

3 of 4

noun (2)

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

4 of 4

verb (2)

stunted; stunting; stunts

intransitive verb

: to perform or engage in a stunt

Synonyms of stunt

Verb (1)

• halt
• suppress
• stop
• block
• diminish
• shrink
• catch

Noun (2)

• feat

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

Verb

Lead, a heavy metal once common in products like pipes and paints, is a neurotoxin that can stunt children’s development, lower IQ scores and increase blood pressure in adults, according to the Associated Press. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

When grown together, cabbage and grapes can stunt each other’s growth, which is likely because these water-loving plants compete with each other for soil moisture. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

Noun

Republicans have called the Democratic governor’s proposal a political stunt, noting the rebate would be delivered days before voters must decide whether to reelect Lamont to a third term. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026

Her presence at the White House — especially her being from Arkansas and having previously appeared with other GOP officials — drew scrutiny online, with critics calling it a coordinated political stunt. —Mike Stunson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1917, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stunt

• publicity stunt
• pull a stunt
• stunt double

Rhymes for stunt

• blunt
• brunt
• bunt
• front
• grunt
• shunt
• affront
• confront
• exeunt
• forefront
• lakefront
• manhunt

Kids Definition

stunt

1 of 3 verb

ˈstənt 

: 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

ˈstənt 

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

an emotionally stunted child