stupefy

verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈstü-pə-ˌfī How to pronounce stupefy (audio)
ˈstyü-
stupefied; stupefying
Synonyms of stupefy

transitive verb

1
: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible
2
: astonish, astound
stupefyingly
ˈstü-pə-ˌfī-iŋ-lē How to pronounce stupefy (audio)
ˈstyü-
adverb

Synonyms of stupefy

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Examples of stupefy in a Sentence

stupefied by the ruling that he could not compete because he missed the qualifying age by two days
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dark times shade even darker, and yet through it all, in ways both uplifting and stupefying, life goes on. — Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025 Fresh juices, quality rums, pristine drinkmaking technique — the Cove stupefied with its faultless approach. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 30 Mar. 2026 How will his writing team metabolize the stupefying scene at this year’s BAFTAs into his routine? — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026 Starting with a tone-setting marvel early, Room contorted and unfurled himself to 15 saves — including several other stupefying ones. — Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupefy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stupifien, modification of Latin stupefacere, from stupēre to be astonished + facere to make, do — more at do

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stupefy was in the 15th century

Rhymes for stupefy

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Browse Nearby Words

stupefier
stupefy
stupefyingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupefy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupefy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stupefy

verb
stu·​pe·​fy ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī How to pronounce stupefy (audio)
stupefied; stupefying
1
: astonish, bewilder
the strange sight stupefied the crowd
2
: to make stupid, groggy, or numb
stupefied by the huge meal

Medical Definition

stupefy

transitive verb
stu·​pe·​fy ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī How to pronounce stupefy (audio)
stupefied; stupefying
: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible
stupefied by anesthesia

More from Merriam-Webster on stupefy

Nglish: Translation of stupefy for Spanish Speakers

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