verb
stunt
To prevent normal growth or development.
A lack of sunlight stunts the growth of these plants.
Etymology
Stunt developed from an adjective describing something short or stunted. The verb names preventing normal growth or development; the adjective’s deeper history is uncertain.
More examples
- Poor nutrition can stunt a child's physical development.
- Constant criticism stunted her confidence.
- Limited access to education can stunt a community's development.
Forms
stunt · stunts · stunted · stunting
Similar words
- hinder
- Can slow progress without preventing normal growth or development.
- inhibit
- Restrains a process or activity, not necessarily long-term development.