definitions

benumb

[ bih-nuhm ]
/ bɪˈnʌm /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR benumb ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make numb; deprive of sensation: benumbed by cold.
to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.

RELATED WORDS

numb, blunt, cumber, daze, stupefy, deaden, stun, chill, hebetate

Nearby words

bentonite flocculation test, bentwood, benu, benue, benue-congo, benumb, benxi, benz, benz-, benzal, benzal chloride

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

Related forms

be·numbed·ness [bih-nuhmd-nis, -nuhm-id-] /bɪˈnʌmd nɪs, -ˈnʌm ɪd-/, nounbe·numb·ing·ly, adverbbe·numb·ment, nounun·be·numbed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for benumb

British Dictionary definitions for benumb

benumb

/ (bɪˈnʌm) /

verb (tr)

to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold
(usually passive) to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc)

Derived Forms

benumbingly, adverb
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