"Stunned" vs. "shocked": a linguistic jolt

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 02/10/2024, 08:00

English.me team member

Stunned and shocked. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "stunned" and "shocked" describe a strong emotional response to unexpected news or events, often implying a state of disbelief or surprise.

What is different?

"Stunned" often implies temporary immobility or silence due to surprise, whereas "shocked" suggests emotional disturbance with possible distress or trauma.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Stunned

She was stunned by the news of her promotion, unable to speak.
He stood stunned for a moment, trying to process what had happened.

Shocked

The announcement left the audience shocked and murmuring.
I was shocked to learn about the tragic accident.