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Stun Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'stun'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'stun' originated from the Middle English word 'stounen,' meaning 'to strike or hit.' Over time, it evolved to mean 'to astonish or shock.' The use of stun devices for self-defense purposes became popular in the late 20th century as a non-lethal way to incapacitate attackers.

See also: stunned, stunner, stunning, stunningly.

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.