stunt

UK: stʌnt | US: stʌnt

Definition

  1. n. 1. A daring or skillful feat, often performed for entertainment.

  2. n. 2. An action intended to attract attention or publicity.

  3. vt. To hinder or impede the growth or development of something.

Structure
stunt <daring feat / hinder growth>
Etymology

The word "stunt" has two distinct origins:

  1. For the meaning "daring feat," it likely derives from early 19th-century student slang, possibly from German "stunde" (hour) or dialectal "stunt" (bold). It evolved to describe impressive physical acts.
  2. For the verb meaning "to hinder growth," it traces back to Old English "stunt" (short, blunt), related to Old Norse "stuttr" (short). This reflects the idea of cutting something short.
Examples

  1. The movie features an incredible car stunt performed by the lead actor.

  2. The politician's apology was just a publicity stunt.

  3. Poor nutrition can stunt a child's physical development.

  4. She trained for years to master that dangerous stunt.

  5. The harsh weather stunted the growth of the crops.