ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stunning

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈstənɪŋ// UK //stˈʌnɪŋ// stun·ning
  1. 1 very beautiful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    extremely beautiful or attractive.

    exceptionally attractive or aesthetically pleasing. Often used in informal or semi-formal contexts to express high praise.

    Example

    The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.

    Example

    The actress made a stunning entrance in a floor-length silk gown that immediately captured the attention of every photographer in the room.
  2. 2 surprising (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very surprising or shocking.

    causing great surprise or disbelief; shocking in its intensity or unexpectedness.

    Example

    The team's stunning defeat in the final minutes left the fans in silence.

    Example

    The researchers published a stunning report revealing that the environmental damage was far more extensive than previously estimated by the government.
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  1. 3 making someone unconscious (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the act of making a person or animal unconscious or unable to move.

    the present participle or gerund of 'stun', referring to the act of rendering a person or animal insensible or motionless.

    Example

    The police used a device for stunning the suspect without causing permanent injury.

    Example

    The facility implemented new humane protocols for stunning livestock to ensure the animals were completely insensible before the next stage of the process.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of hunting, law enforcement, or food production.
    • dazing
    • paralyzing
  2. 4 the act of stunning (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    the physical act of hitting or shocking someone so they cannot think or move.

    the action of rendering someone or something unconscious or dazed, typically through a physical blow or electric shock.

    Example

    The stunning of the fish is done quickly to prevent any suffering.

    Example

    Effective stunning requires precise application of force to the cranial region to ensure immediate loss of consciousness.
Etymology 1

From Middle English stunnyng, stunnynge, stounyng, equivalent to stun + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English stunnyng, stonyng (also stoniynge, stonyynge), equivalent to stun + -ing.

Word family

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