stunted; stunting; stunts
: to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
stuntedness
noun
Examples of stunt in a Sentence
Verb (1)
unfortunately, an unusually dry summer seems to have permanently stunted the tree
Recent Examples on the Web
Ari Daniel, NPR, 1 June 2026
This can stunt growth, impede the roots' ability to absorb water, cause leaf rot, and attract pests.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Beans Some gardeners find their pole beans stunted by sunflowers, but other types of beans may be an even bigger problem.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
The former child star had a lifelong kidney condition that stunted his growth and led to numerous health complications throughout his life.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunt
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Verb
The evidence In addition to animal research, there are a handful of preliminary studies in humans suggesting colostrum may improve certain forms of inflammatory bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as stunting in children.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 1 June 2026
This can stunt growth, impede the roots' ability to absorb water, cause leaf rot, and attract pests.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Beans Some gardeners find their pole beans stunted by sunflowers, but other types of beans may be an even bigger problem.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
The former child star had a lifelong kidney condition that stunted his growth and led to numerous health complications throughout his life.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stunt
Cite this Entry
“Stunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stunt. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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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