stupefy
STOO-puh-fy
/ˈstjuː.pɪ.faɪ/
To make someone unable to think or feel clearly; to dull the senses through shock, astonishment, or fatigue.
Implies a dulling or numbing of mental faculties, turning someone temporarily sluggish or senseless.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'stupefacere', joining 'stupere' (to be stunned/motionless) and 'facere' (to make or cause). It literally means to make someone stuporous or senseless.
Word relationships
- numb: 'Numb' relates to physical or emotional sensation; 'stupefy' focuses on cognitive dulling.
- stimulate: To excite thought and mental activity.
- sharpen: To increase mental focus and acuity.
Commonly confused with
- stupid: 'Stupid' is an adjective for lacking intelligence; 'stupefy' is a verb meaning to temporarily dull someone's brain.
Word family
- stupefaction (noun): A state of senselessness or overwhelming amazement.
- stupefying (adjective): Astonishing or dulling the senses.
Collocations
- stupefy the mind
- stupefy with fear
- stupefying boredom
Idioms & expressions
- stupefied state
Example sentences
- "The sheer endless complexity of the ancient legal charter seemed to stupefy the young law apprentice." Literary Narrative
Memory hook
STUPEFY makes someone so shocked they look STUPIDLY dazed. Dulling the mind into a daze.
When not to use
Do not use for exciting, invigorating surprises.
Fun facts
- In Harry Potter lore, the spell 'Stupefy' is the classic dueling charm used to instantly stun opponents.
Explore more words
nonplussed, flummoxed, bewildered, addled, confounded, consternation
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