numb

[nuhm]

adjective

number, numbest 

1. deprived of physical sensation or the ability to move.

   fingers numb with cold.

2. manifesting or resembling numbness.

   a numb sensation.

3. incapable of action or of feeling emotion; enervated; prostrate.

   numb with grief.

4. lacking or deficient in emotion or feeling; indifferent.

   She was numb to their pleas for mercy.

verb (used with object)

1. to make numb.

numb

/ nʌm /

adjective

1. deprived of feeling through cold, shock, etc

2. unable to move; paralysed

3. characteristic of or resembling numbness

   a numb sensation

verb

1. to make numb; deaden, shock, or paralyse

Other Word Forms

• numbly adverb
• numbness noun
• half-numb adjective
• unnumbed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of numb¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English nome, literally, “taken, seized,” variant of nomen, numen, Old English numen, past participle of niman “to take, steal”; nim ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of numb¹

C15: nomen, literally: taken (with paralysis), from Old English niman to take; related to Old Norse nema, Old High German niman

Example Sentences

“I still go numb a little bit,” Jordan told “Today.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Is it, in fact, unhealthy and desensitising and numbing to feel joy when we're surrounded by so much suffering?" he asks.

From BBC

The Dodgers sat on the bench, almost too numb to move, watching the sight on the field.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s very easy to become numb to how corrupt this administration is, how much nepotism is going on, how much self-dealing is going on.

From Salon

Their son Jonathan Reynolds said their health was rapidly deteriorating, with his father suffering serious convulsions and his mother "numb" from anaemia and malnutrition.

From BBC

Related Words

• anesthetize 
• desensitize 
• dull 
• paralyze 
• stupefy