stunt
stunt Lexical Profile
stunt Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An exciting, daring, or dangerous feat of physical skill, especially one performed by a specialist in a film or television production.
"The lead actor insisted on performing the rooftop jumping stunt himself rather than using a double."
An unusual or ostentatious action carried out primarily to attract public attention or publicity.
"Critics dismissed the company's sudden charitable donation as a calculated publicity stunt."
A delay or arrest in natural growth or development, or a plant or animal whose growth has been hindered.
"Only a few gnarled stunts of pine managed to survive near the windy timberline."
• verb
To prevent from growing or developing properly; to check or hinder the progress of something.
"Severe drought and poor soil quality can stunt the growth of young oak trees."
To perform daring physical feats or acrobatic maneuvers, such as in aviation or cheerleading.
"The biplane pilot was fined for stunting too close to the crowded beach."
American To show off or flaunt one's wealth, success, or style in an ostentatious manner (slang).
"He bought the luxury sports car just to stunt in front of his former classmates."
• Rhymes for stunt
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The sense relating to hindered growth derives from Old English 'stunt' (foolish, dull), cognate with Old Norse 'stuttr' (short, abrupt). The sense of a daring feat or publicity trick emerged in late 19th-century American college athletics slang, of uncertain origin.