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Stunts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stunts

[stสŒnts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

action movie scenes

Stunts are dangerous and exciting physical activities or actions, often performed by trained professionals in movies or live performances. These activities include high falls, car chases, fight sequences, and other risky maneuvers.

Synonyms

acrobatics, exploits, feats.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feats

Focuses on remarkable achievements or accomplishments that require great skill, strength, or courage. Often used to highlight something impressive.

  • Her feat of climbing Mount Everest was truly remarkable.
  • The engineering feat of constructing the bridge was celebrated globally.
exploits

Refers to notable or heroic actions, often with a sense of adventure or daring. Can be used in a positive or negative light depending on the context.

  • The book recounts the daring exploits of a famous explorer.
  • His exploits during the war earned him several medals.
acrobatics

Typically refers to the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility, and coordination, often in a circus or a gymnastics setting.

  • The group of performers amazed everyone with their acrobatics.
  • He incorporated acrobatics into his dance routine, making it even more impressive.

Examples of usage

  • Tom Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in action movies.
  • The stunt double jumped off the building for the dangerous scene.
Context #2 | Verb

action movies

To perform stunts is to execute daring and thrilling physical feats, often involving risks or dangerous actions, typically for entertainment purposes.

Synonyms

execute, perform, show off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stunts

Stunts are daring or impressive acts usually seen in movies, live performances, or extreme sports. These actions often capture the audience's attention due to their risk or skill required.

  • The motorcycle rider performed incredible stunts during the show.
  • The movie was full of thrilling stunts.
perform

Perform is used when referring to entertaining an audience, such as in theater, music, or sports. It implies carrying out an activity that requires skill and effort to entertain others.

  • She will perform at the concert tonight.
  • The magician performed a series of amazing tricks.
execute

Execute means to carry out a plan, order, or course of action with precision. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, emphasizing the completion of a task.

  • The software developer executed the program without any errors.
  • The military unit executed the mission successfully.
show off

Show off has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who tries to attract attention by displaying their abilities or possessions in an excessive or boastful manner.

  • He likes to show off his new car to everyone.
  • She always shows off her knowledge, which can be annoying.

Examples of usage

  • The actor trained for months to be able to stunt in the movie.
  • She stunted her way through the intense action sequences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Middle French 'estunter', meaning to stop or hinder, which reflects the danger involved in such acts.
  • In the early days of cinema, stunts were performed by actors themselves, creating a more thrilling and realistic experience.
  • The use of professional stunt performers began to rise in the 1920s when filmmakers realized they could ensure actor safety while still showing action.

Entertainment Industry

  • The legendary stunt coordinator Buster Keaton was known for his dangerous and daring on-screen stunts, influencing future stunt work.
  • In modern films, stunt performers often undergo rigorous training to safely execute complex and dangerous sequences.
  • Stunt work is a crucial part of the superhero genre, where performers need to create believable actions that enhance the story.

Psychology

  • Participating in stunts can trigger adrenaline rushes, leading to feelings of excitement and euphoria.
  • The thrill-seeking behavior often linked to doing stunts can be explained by the psychological concept of risk-taking.
  • Fear management is often a factor; individuals may learn to control fear through practice in stunting.

Sports

  • Extreme sports, such as skateboarding or snowboarding, often incorporate stunts as a way to push physical limits.
  • In competitive sports, stunts can be judged for difficulty and execution, impacting scoring in events like gymnastics.
  • Freerunning is a discipline that combines acrobatics and parkour into a series of stunts performed in urban environments.

Cultural Representation

  • Stunts in film and television often reflect cultural values, showcasing bravery and adventure.
  • Around the world, stunt performances are used in various cultural festivals as part of traditional dance or drama.
  • The portrayal of stunt performers in media has evolved, showcasing diverse backgrounds and talents beyond just physicality.

Origin of 'stunts'

The term 'stunts' originated in the early 19th century as a slang term for tricks or pranks. It later evolved to describe daring physical actions performed for entertainment purposes, particularly in the context of action movies and live performances.

See also: stunt, stuntman.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,412, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.