stunt
Risky show-off maneuver
A stunt is a daring feat performed for show—especially in film, where stunt doubles take physical risks for actors.
The word extends to any attention-grabbing action: a publicity stunt, a political stunt.
The implication is often that the act prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Separately, to stunt something is to prevent its full growth or development: Malnutrition stunted the child's growth.
A stunted tree remains small and twisted.
Reckless risk-taker
- motorcyclePowered two-wheeler
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
- skydivingRecreational freefall from aircraft
- highwireElevated taut cable
Evel Knievel · acrobatics · thrill-seeker · adrenaline · danger · risk · extreme · daring
Attention-getting device or trick
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
prank · antic · caper · escapade · exploit · shenanigan · put-on · setup
Spectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- thrillsIntense pleasurable excitements
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- circusTraveling entertainment with performers
pyrotechnics · fireworks · aerial · acrobat · grandstand · blockbuster · pageantry · showmanship
Regular sequence of actions
- actDeed or performance
- set piecePrearranged dramatic sequence
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
timing · sequence · double · stand-in · rigging · harness · safety · coordination
Obstruct or delay
- hamperObstruct or clothes basket
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
- thwartPrevent success of
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
restrict · constrain · curtail · retard · slow · obstruct · block · suppress
Disease from dietary inadequacy
- undernourishmentInsufficient dietary intake
- deficiencyLack of something needed
- underdevelopmentInadequate economic or social progress
- dwarfismGenetic shortness condition
atrophy · deprivation · starvation · inhibition · delay · hypoplasia · impairment · restriction
daredevil
Reckless risk-taker
- motorcyclePowered two-wheeler
- jumpPropel oneself airborne
- skydivingRecreational freefall from aircraft
Evel Knievel · highwire · acrobatics · thrill-seeker · adrenaline · danger · risk · extreme · daring · precision
gimmick
Attention-getting device or trick
scheme · prank · antic · caper · escapade · exploit · shenanigan · put-on · setup · gag
showstopper
Spectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- thrillsIntense pleasurable excitements
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
circus · pyrotechnics · fireworks · aerial · acrobat · grandstand · blockbuster · pageantry · showmanship · display
routine
Regular sequence of actions
- actDeed or performance
- set piecePrearranged dramatic sequence
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
rehearsal · timing · sequence · double · stand-in · rigging · harness · safety · coordination · scene
hinder
Obstruct or delay
restrain · restrict · constrain · curtail · retard · slow · obstruct · block · suppress · limit
malnutrition
Disease from dietary inadequacy
- undernourishmentInsufficient dietary intake
- deficiencyLack of something needed
- underdevelopmentInadequate economic or social progress
dwarfism · atrophy · deprivation · starvation · inhibition · delay · hypoplasia · impairment · restriction · suppression
- HollywoodHollywood, Tinseltown, Hollywood Sign, silver screen, movie stars
- acrobaticsacrobat, tumbling, somersault, cartwheel, handstand
- action filmschase scene, car chase, explosion, shootout, gunfight
- featsfeat, exploit, daring feat, deed, heroic deed
- publicitypublicity, PR, press conference, publicist, press release
- Stuntsdaredevil, car flip, bullet catch, bungee jumping, skydiving
- publicity stuntStaged event for attention
- stunt showPerformance featuring dangerous feats
- stunt manPerformer of dangerous scenes
- stunt doublePerformer doing hazardous scenes
- stunted growthIncomplete physical development
- PR stuntStaged event seeking coverage
stunted, stunts, stuntman, stunting, stunt man, stuntmen, stuntwoman, stuntwomen, stunt double