Cool MateStun
UK /["/stʌn/","/stʌnz/","/stʌnd/","/ˈstʌnɪŋ/"]/US /["/stʌn/","/stʌnz/","/stʌnd/","/ˈstʌnɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to make a person or an animal unconscious for a short time, especially by hitting them on the head
In simple words: To shock or surprise someone very much.
Examples
- The fall stunned me for a moment.
- The animals are stunned before slaughter.
- Her words stunned me—I had no idea she felt that way.
- The guests were stunned into silence.
- The company stunned investors with its third profits warning in five months.
- They were stunned by the view from the summit.
Usage notes
Use 'stun' when something causes unexpected shock, usually in contexts where someone is left speechless or unable to react. It is generally neutral but can be informal in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
stun + object
Memory hint
Think of a 'stun gun' that surprises someone into shock.
Collocations
- briefly
- momentarily
- into
- stun somebody into silence
Synonyms
- knock out
- astound
- amaze
Antonyms
- calm
- comfort
- reassure
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'stunned' (adjective) vs. 'stun' (verb)
- Using 'stun' without an object (e.g., saying 'I stun' instead of 'I stun someone')
- Incorrectly using 'stun' in formal contexts where a more technical term might be appropriate