Definition

Causing someone to feel dull or unable to think clearly; making someone feel less intelligent or less active.

Example

The stultifying routine of the job made her feel unmotivated and bored.

Conversation

Have you ever found a lecture so boring that it felt stultifying?

Oh definitely! Some professors just drone on and on.

Right? It makes it hard to stay focused when the material is so stultifying.

Exactly! I always try to take notes to keep myself engaged.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stultifying is formed from "stultus" (meaning foolish) and the suffix "-fy" (meaning to make). The word describes the act of making someone or something foolish or ineffective.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'foolish' ('stultus') and remember that 'stultifying' means making something foolish or ineffective.

Visually Confused Words