Stunt — Defs

01 v. t. To hinder from growing to the natural size; to prevent the growth of; to stint, to dwarf; as, to stunt a child; to stunt a plant.

imp. & p. p. Stunted; p. pr. & vb. n. Stunting

1.
To hinder from growing to the natural size; to prevent the growth of; to stint, to dwarf; as, to stunt a child; to stunt a plant.
“When, by a cold penury, I blast the abilities of a nation, and stunt the growth of its active energies, the ill or may do is beyond all calculation.” — Burke.

02 n. A check in growth; also, that which has been checked in growth; a stunted animal or thing.

1.
A check in growth; also, that which has been checked in growth; a stunted animal or thing.
2.
Specifically: A whale two years old, which, having been weaned, is lean, and yields but little blubber.

03 n. A feat hard to perform; an act which is striking for the skill, strength, or the like, required to do it; a feat.

1.
A feat hard to perform; an act which is striking for the skill, strength, or the like, required to do it; a feat.[Colloq.]
“An extraordinary man does three or four different “stunts” with remarkable dexterity.” — The Bookman.

“He does not try to do stunts; and, above all, he does not care to go in swimming.” — L. Hutton.
2.
an unusual action performed to gain public attention; as, a publicity stunt.