stunt

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stunt1 / stənt/ • v. [tr.] [often as adj.] (stunted) retard the growth or development of: trees damaged by acid rain had stunted branches. ∎  frustrate and spoil: she was concerned at the stunted lives of those around her.DERIVATIVES: stunt·ed·ness n.stunt2 • n. an action displaying spectacular skill and daring. ∎  something unusual done to attract attention: the story was spread as a publicity stunt to help sell books.• v. [intr.] perform stunts, esp. aerobatics: agile terns are stunting over the water.