Stupefy
/ˈstjuː.pɪ.faɪ/noun
To astonish or shock someone so strongly that they are unable to think clearly or act.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin roots used for numbness and dazed stillness, which is why it feels like a verbal stun spell instead of a normal synonym for surprise.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
stupēre
“to be stunned, numb, or benumbed”
Late Latin
Latin
stupēfacere
“to make numb or stunned”
Old French
Old French
stupefier
“to stun, astonish”
14th Century
English
stupefyen
“to make dull, numb, or mentally dull”
Modern English
English
stupefy
“to shock or overwhelm the mind”
Explore more surprising origins