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benumb

American  
[bih-nuhm] / bɪˈnʌm /

verb (used with object)

benumbs, present (3rd person singular) benumbed, past participle, past benumbing present participle
  1. to make numb; deprive of sensation.

    benumbed by cold.

  2. to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.


benumb British  
/ bɪˈnʌm /

verb

  1. to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold

  2. (usually passive) to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of benumb

1350–1400; back formation from Middle English benomen, past participle of benimen to take away, Old English beniman; cognate with Dutch benemen, German benehmen, Gothic biniman. See be-, nimble, numb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Invention is kept alive, and the mind is not suffered to fall into that drowsy stupidity, which, in a civilized society, seems to benumb the understanding of the people….

From Forbes • Aug. 26, 2014

Hence, if we could benumb the surface, certain of the lesser operations might be undergone without great inconvenience.

From A Treatise on Physiology and Hygiene For Educational Institutions and General Readers by Hutchison, Joseph Chrisman

There are some feelings time cannot benumb, Nor torture shake.

From Familiar Quotations A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern Literature by Bartlett, John

The contractions of the womb and abdominal walls are so powerful as to exhaust and benumb the arm of the assistant and to endanger penetrating wounds of the genital organs.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

All this Todros heard in a dim and vague way; but it was enough, to benumb his heart, full of petrified faith and pride.

From An Obscure Apostle A Dramatic Story by Soissons, C. S. de

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