stupefy

verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈstü-pə-ˌfī 

ˈstyü-

stupefied; stupefying

transitive verb

1

: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible

2

: astonish, astound

stupefyingly

ˈstü-pə-ˌfī-iŋ-lē 

ˈstyü-

adverb

Synonyms of stupefy

• amaze
• stun
• surprise
• astonish
• startle
• shock

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

Again with the stupefying inability to produce with runners in scoring position, underscored by leaving 16 men on base. —Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

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

The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for stupefy

• beefy
• leafy

Kids Definition

stupefy

verb

stu·​pe·​fy ˈst(y)ü-pə-ˌfī 

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 

stupefied; stupefying

: to make stupid, groggy, or insensible

stupefied by anesthesia