stunted

[ stuhn-tid ]
/ ˈstʌn tɪd /

adjective

slowed or stopped abnormally in growth or development.

Origin of stunted

First recorded in 1650–60; stunt1 + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM stunted

stunt·ed·ness, noun un·stunt·ed, adjective

Definition for stunted (2 of 3)

stunt 1
[ stuhnt ]
/ stʌnt /

verb (used with object)

to stop, slow down, or hinder the growth or development of; dwarf: A harsh climate stunted the trees. Brutal treatment in childhood stunted his personality.

noun

a stop or hindrance in growth or development.
arrested development.
a plant or animal hindered from attaining its proper growth.
Plant Pathology. a disease of plants, characterized by a dwarfing or stunting of the plant.

Origin of stunt

1
1575–85; v. use of dial. stunt dwarfed, stubborn (Middle English; Old English: stupid); cognate with Middle High German stunz, Old Norse stuttr short; akin to stint1

OTHER WORDS FROM stunt

stunt·ing·ly, adverb stunt·y, adjective

Definition for stunted (3 of 3)

stunt 2
[ stuhnt ]
/ stʌnt /

noun

a performance displaying a person's skill or dexterity, as in athletics; feat: an acrobatic stunt.
any remarkable feat performed chiefly to attract attention: The kidnapping was said to be a publicity stunt.

verb (used without object)

to do a stunt or stunts.
Television Slang. to add specials, miniseries, etc., to a schedule of programs, especially so as to increase ratings.

verb (used with object)

to use in doing stunts: to stunt an airplane.

Origin of stunt

2
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; origin uncertain

Example sentences from the Web for stunted

British Dictionary definitions for stunted (1 of 2)

stunt 1
/ (stʌnt) /

verb

(tr) to prevent or impede the growth or development of (a plant, animal, etc)

noun

the act or an instance of stunting
a person, animal, or plant that has been stunted

Derived forms of stunt

stunted, adjective stuntedness, noun

Word Origin for stunt

C17 (as vb: to check the growth of): perhaps from C15 stont of short duration, from Old English stunt simple, foolish; sense probably influenced by Old Norse stuttr short in stature, dwarfed

British Dictionary definitions for stunted (2 of 2)

stunt 2
/ (stʌnt) /

noun

an acrobatic, dangerous, or spectacular action
an acrobatic or dangerous piece of action in a film or television programme
anything spectacular or unusual done to gain publicity

verb

(intr) to perform a stunt or stunts

Word Origin for stunt

C19: US student slang, of unknown origin