numb
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numb
- /nʌm/
Rhymes with -ʌm
Where it comes from
From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”) and Old Norse numinn. The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.
adjective number · numbest
- Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation. fingers numb with cold
- Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way. numb with shock; numb with boredom
- Dumb or stupid.
- Causing numbness. […] he did lap me Even in his own garments, and gave himself, All thin and naked to the numb cold night.
verb numbs · numbing · numbed
- To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally). The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.
- To cause (a feeling) to be less intense. He turned to alcohol to numb his pain.
- To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute. […] hunger, fatigue, and despairing hopelessness had numbed his brain […]
- To become numb (especially physically). […] after fumbling with numbing fingers for ten or fifteen minutes, he waved his hand with a gesture of despair […]
