stupefaction
(stjuːpɪˈfækʃən)
Also 7 stupi-.
[a. F. stupéfaction (15–16th c.), or ad. mod.L. stupefactiōn-em: see stupefy v. and -faction.]
1. The action of stupefying or state of being stupefied; numbness, torpor, or insensibility, of body or mind.
| 1543 Traheron Vigo's Chirurg. ii. xvi. 26 b, The extremitees of theyr bodyes..were reduced to suche colde, and congelation or stupefaction. 1677 tr. Groeneveldt's Treat. Stone 32 A stupefaction in the Thigh and Leg. 1756 Burke Subl. & B. Introd., Wks. I. 103 Tobacco is the delight of Dutch⁓men, as it diffuses a torpor and pleasing stupefaction. 1865 Dickens Mut. Fr. ii. i, Half the pupils dropped asleep, or fell into a state of waking stupefaction. 1911 Riker Henry Fox Ld. Holland viii. II. 98 The activity of Fox..seemed the result of long pent-up energy that had suffered stupefaction under an arbitrary over-lord. |
¶ b. Used for stupefacient n.
| 1651 Wittie tr. Primrose's Pop. Err. 327 Stupefactions [L. stupefacientia] being applyed outwardly, doe [etc.]. |
2. Overwhelming consternation or astonishment.
| 1597 A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 52 b/2 This fore⁓sayed stupefactione and feare. 1634 Sir T. Herbert Trav. 189 Which ceremony is so hideously acted that it raises no small stupefaction in the beholders. 1831 Carlyle Sart. Res. iii. viii, The deceptions, and wonder-hiding stupefactions, which Space practises on us. 1865 Dickens Mut. Fr. iii. vi, What was the stupefaction of the friendly movers when this object at last emerging proved to be a much-dilapidated dark lantern! |