| English Dictionary |
STUPEFYING
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does stupefying mean?
• STUPEFYING (adjective)
The adjective STUPEFYING has 3 senses:
1. so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
2. making physically stupid or dull or insensible
3. shocking with surprise and consternation
Familiarity information: STUPEFYING used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
So surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
Synonyms:
astonishing; astounding; staggering; stupefying
Context example:
the figure inside the boucle dress was stupefying
Similar:
impressive (making a strong or vivid impression)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Making physically stupid or dull or insensible
Context example:
the stupefying effects of hemp
Similar:
disorienting (causing loss of physical or intellectual bearings)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Shocking with surprise and consternation
Context example:
the stupefying impact of the tragedy
Similar:
alarming (frightening because of an awareness of danger)
Context examples
As we did so there came from the inside a stupefying and overpowering smell of chloroform.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
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