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Stun: meaning, definitions and examples

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stun

 

[stʌn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in self-defense

To shock or surprise someone so much that they are unable to react immediately.

Synonyms

amaze, astonish, bewilder, shock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stun

Used when something is so surprising or impressive that it leaves someone momentarily unable to react.

  • The news of the sudden resignation stunned everyone at the meeting.
  • The beautiful scenery stunned the tourists into silence.
shock

Typically used when something causes a strong feeling of surprise, distress, or disgust. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The graphic images in the documentary shocked many viewers.
  • The unexpected layoffs shocked the employees.
astonish

Used when something is so surprising that it leaves someone very much surprised or impressed.

  • The results of the experiment astonished the scientists.
  • It astonishes me how quickly technology advances.
amaze

Appropriate when something causes great wonder or admiration.

  • Her performance in the play will amaze the audience.
  • The magician's tricks never fail to amaze the children.
bewilder

Suitable for situations where something causes confusion or puzzlement.

  • The complex instructions bewildered the students.
  • The myriad of choices at the store can bewilder shoppers.

Examples of usage

  • The sudden noise stunned me for a moment.
  • The unexpected news stunned the entire audience.
Context #2 | Noun

weapon

A device used to produce a temporary loss of consciousness or disturbance of physical or mental functions, typically intended to subdue an attacker.

Synonyms

shocker, stun gun, taser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stun

Use 'stun' when you want to describe making someone temporarily unable to react or move, usually because of a strong emotional or physical impact.

  • His sudden proposal stunned her
  • The loud noise stunned the audience
stun gun

Use 'stun gun' when referring to a handheld device designed to deliver an electric shock to temporarily incapacitate someone.

  • The security guard carried a stun gun for protection
  • She used a stun gun to defend herself from the attacker
taser

Use 'taser' when talking about a specific brand of electroshock weapon that is used to incapacitate people from a distance.

  • The police officer used a taser to subdue the suspect
  • Tasers are often carried by law enforcement officers
shocker

Use 'shocker' to refer to a surprising or startling event, often with a negative or sensational connotation.

  • The celebrity's sudden divorce was a shocker
  • That plot twist in the movie was a real shocker!

Examples of usage

  • The police officer used a stun gun to incapacitate the criminal.
  • She carried a small stun device for personal safety.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'stunnan', meaning to astonish or make numb.
  • It is related to the German word 'stummen', which means to make silent.
  • The term has evolved over centuries from a general sense of shock to specific uses in various contexts.

Science

  • Stunning can occur in nature; for example, certain species of fish use electrical shocks to stun their prey.
  • In medicine, stunning describes a temporary disruption in heart function, which can have serious implications if not treated.
  • Neuroscience research shows that surprise can activate certain brain areas, temporarily impairing cognitive processes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often experience moments of stunning disbelief, such as finding out a big secret, which heightens emotional impacts.
  • Stun guns or tasers are often featured in action films, showing their ability to incapacitate an opponent very quickly.
  • Video games frequently use 'stun' as a mechanic where players can immobilize their enemies for strategic advantage.

Psychology

  • The state of being stunned can be linked to trauma responses, where individuals may feel locked in place after a shocking event.
  • Stunned reactions are important for understanding human emotion; they reflect moments of intense surprise or confusion.
  • Psychologists study the effects of stunning experiences to help understand decision-making under pressure.

Literature

  • Many authors use stunning moments to create suspense, leaving readers shocked by plot twists.
  • In poetry, the use of stunning imagery can evoke strong emotional responses, capturing the essence of a moment.
  • Classic literature often features characters who are emotionally stunned by events, driving the narrative forward.

Translations

Translations of the word "stun" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atordoar

🇮🇳 सन्न करना

🇩🇪 betäuben

🇮🇩 membius

🇺🇦 приголомшити

🇵🇱 oszołomić

🇯🇵 気絶させる

🇫🇷 étourdir

🇪🇸 aturdir

🇹🇷 sersemletmek

🇰🇷 기절시키다

🇸🇦 يذهل

🇨🇿 omráčit

🇸🇰 omráčiť

🇨🇳 使晕眩

🇸🇮 omamiti

🇮🇸 deyfa

🇰🇿 есеңгірету

🇬🇪 გაბრუება

🇦🇿 huşsuzlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 aturdir

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,409, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.