Stupefying: meaning, definitions and examples

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stupefying

 

[ ˈstjuːpɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

surprising effect

The term 'stupefying' refers to something that is astonishing or extremely surprising, often to the point of being mind-numbing. It can describe experiences or events that overwhelm one’s senses or understanding. The word is frequently used to convey an intense level of amazement or bewilderment. In literature, it can describe moments that leave characters or readers in a state of shock.

Synonyms

amazing, astonishing, breathtaking, incredible, stunning

Examples of usage

  • The magician's trick was stupefying to the audience.
  • Her sudden announcement was stupefying to all of us.
  • The film's plot twists were stupefying and unexpected.

Translations

Translations of the word "stupefying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estupefaciente

🇮🇳 चौंकाने वाला

🇩🇪 staunend

🇮🇩 menakjubkan

🇺🇦 вражаючий

🇵🇱 oszałamiający

🇯🇵 驚くべき

🇫🇷 stupéfiant

🇪🇸 asombroso

🇹🇷 şok edici

🇰🇷 경이로운

🇸🇦 مذهل

🇨🇿 ohromující

🇸🇰 úžasný

🇨🇳 令人惊讶的

🇸🇮 osupljiv

🇮🇸 undrandi

🇰🇿 таңғажайып

🇬🇪 საოცარი

🇦🇿 şokedici

🇲🇽 asombroso

Etymology

The word 'stupefying' originates from the Latin word 'stupefacere,' which means 'to make stupid or to numb.' This Latin term combines 'stupere,' meaning 'to be stunned or amazed,' with 'facere,' meaning 'to make or do.' The earliest recorded use of 'stupefy' in English dates back to the late 16th century, gradually evolving to its modern form by the 17th century. The addition of the suffix '-ing' formed the adjective 'stupefying,' which retains the original connotation of inducing a state of shock or astonishment. Over time, 'stupefying' has been used in various forms of literature, movies, and everyday conversation to describe events, actions, or statements that are overwhelmingly surprising, contributing to its rich and expressive usage in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,127 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.