GRE Advanced Vocabulary Practice Test 2025 - Free Vocabulary Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "stupefy" conveys a sense of being stunned or overwhelmed, and it often implies that a person is rendered unable to think clearly or act normally due to astonishment or shock. When interpreted in different contexts, "stupefy" can indicate an element of bafflement or amazement that leaves one momentarily speechless or unable to respond.

Choosing "stupefy" as meaning to stun, baffle, or amaze captures this essence accurately. It reflects the notion that the state of stupefaction can occur when someone encounters something so surprising or extraordinary that their usual thought processes are temporarily disrupted.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the full scope of the term. While cause for confusion or decrease in awareness might suggest a related state, it lacks the element of amazement that is intrinsic to "stupefy." Enhancing clarity and understanding completely opposes the idea of stupefaction, which involves a barrier to comprehension. Lastly, diminishing intelligence or wit does not align with the notion of being amazed or stunned, as "stupefy" does not inherently suggest a reduction in one's mental capabilities, but rather an extraordinary response to a stimulus.