stupefy
C1Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
To make someone unable to think clearly, often because of shock, boredom, or a drug.
To astonish or overwhelm to the point of mental numbness; to cause a state of dulled consciousness or extreme amazement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an extreme or unnatural state of mental inactivity. Can describe effects of drugs, intense boredom, or profound shock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. Spelling is consistent. No significant dialectal variation.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or dramatic in both varieties. In American crime/drug contexts, may be slightly more common.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions; more common in written English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] stupefies [sb][sth] stupefies [sb][sb] is stupefied by [sth][sb] is stupefied that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stupefied with boredom”
- “A stupefying amount of...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The sheer volume of data can stupefy new analysts.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism, psychology, or history texts describing effects of trauma or propaganda.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual talk. 'That film was so long it stupefied me.'
Technical
In medicine/psychology: to describe drug effects or catatonic states.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The monotonous lecture began to stupefy the students.
- He was utterly stupefied by the sudden turn of events.
American English
- The medication could stupefy a patient for hours.
- The jury appeared stupefied by the complexity of the evidence.
adverb
British English
- He stared stupefiedly at the empty vault.
American English
- She shook her head stupefiedly, unable to respond.
adjective
British English
- He gave a stupefied shake of his head.
- A stupefying display of bureaucratic incompetence.
American English
- She wore a stupefied look after hearing the verdict.
- The boxer landed a stupefying punch.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The loud noise stupefied the small animal for a moment.
- He was stupefied by the magician's trick.
- The aim of the propaganda was to stupefy the population into submission.
- They sat in stupefied silence after the shocking revelation.
- The defendant's ludicrous claim stupefied the entire courtroom.
- A potent cocktail of drugs was used to stupefy the captive.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STUPEFY' = 'STUPE' (like stupid/insensible) + 'FY' (to make). So, to make someone insensible or stunned.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHOCK IS A PHYSICAL BLOW (It struck him dumb/left him stupefied).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'оглушить' (to deafen/stun physically). 'Stupefy' is primarily mental. Closer to 'ошеломить', 'изумить'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I was stupefied from the news.' Correct: 'I was stupefied by the news.'
- Confusing 'stupefy' (mental numbness) with 'petrify' (fear/immobility).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stupefy' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both come from the Latin 'stupere' meaning 'to be astonished or benumbed'. 'Stupid' originally meant 'mentally numb' before acquiring its current meaning.
Rarely. It typically implies an undesirable or overwhelming state of mental inactivity, even if caused by something impressive like great beauty or skill ('stupefying talent').
'Stun' can be more immediate and physical ('stunned by a blow'). 'Stupefy' implies a more prolonged state of mental dullness or bewilderment.
The correct spelling is 'stupefied'. 'Stupified' is a common misspelling.
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