Also 7 stupi-. [a. F. stupefaction (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. trans. 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 Dutchmen, 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 1st Ld. Holland, II. viii. 98. The activity of Fox, which had appeared during these days of negotiation, seemed the result of long pent-up energy that had suffered stupefaction under an arbitrary over-lord.
¶ b. Used for STUPEFACIENT sb.
1651. Wittie, trans. Primrose’s Pop. Err., 327. Stupefactions [L. stupefacientia] being applyed outwardly, doe [etc.].
2. Overwhelming consternation or astonishment.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 52 b/2. This foresayed 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, Sartor 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!
