the stunned/stupefied/shocked deer

AngliholicIs stunned in the above interchangeable with stupefied and shocked? Thanks.

I don't think so. The two words you suggest are used for human reactions. I suppose it's technically possible to apply them to animals but it would strike me as odd.

RayH

AngliholicIs stunned in the above interchangeable with stupefied and shocked? Thanks.

I don't think so. The two words you suggest are used for human reactions. I suppose it's technically possible to apply them to animals but it would strike me as odd.

Thanks, RayH, for the intriguing reply.

I nev

AngliholicI never knew that shocked and stupefied are confined to human reactions. To make sure, is stunned only limited to animal reactions?

As I said, it's probably possible to apply "shocked" and "stupefied" to animals in some contexts, it's just not that common and I can't think of any examples at the moment. "Stunned" is not limited to animal react

Hi,
Hit by a car but not seriously hurt, the stunned deer ran across the road.
A creature hit by a car and stunned would usually be considered to be 'knocked unconscious' and therefore incapable of running across the road.

Best wshes, Clive

You need to be clear about whether you are writing about a physical disorder or emotional reaction. 'Shock' and 'stun' can have either meaning, and it's not clear which you intend.

Stupefied - I agree this isn't right for an animal.

Hi again,
With an animal, I'd usually associate the word 'stunned' with a physical condition.

After all, how can you tell about the emotional reaction of an animal?

Clive

CliveAfter all, how can you tell about the emotional reaction of an animal?

Without disagreeing with the conversation regarding the deer, Clive, are you telling me your cat has never looked at you with what you are quite sure is "disapproval"? Perhaps upon finding the food bowl empty?

HI,
I can't even read my wife's emotional reaction, most of the time.

Clive