Stun: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!