stupefy

What does “stupefy” mean?

verb.to make (someone) unable to think or feel properly.

SAT Usage

"stupefy" commonly appears in contexts related to shock, surprise, or overwhelming experiences, often in discussions of emotions or reactions. It emphasizes a state of mental incapacitation that can be caused by extreme events, contrasting with similar words like "bewilder," which suggests confusion without the same level of incapacitation.

Common Confusions

Stupefy implies a severe mental incapacitation due to shock or overwhelming experiences, while bewilder usually suggests a state of confusion that does not reach the same level of cognitive impairment.

Example Sentences

• The magic trick seemed to stupefy the entire audience.

• The magician's final trick was so astonishing that it left the audience stupefied, their mouths agape and eyes wide with disbelief.