numb

American  

[nuhm] / nʌm /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make numb.

numb British  

/ nʌm /

adjective

1. deprived of feeling through cold, shock, etc

2. unable to move; paralysed

3. characteristic of or resembling numbness

   a numb sensation

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of numb

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”; cf. nim ¹

Explanation

Numb is an adjective that describes a lack of sensation. After skiing all day, your toes might be numb from the cold. You'd feel numb for hours after hearing that your favorite band broke up. People can feel numb in terms of their feelings and emotions. For example, if you've had your heart broken lots of times, you start to become numb — the breakups don't upset you so much. Numb can also describe being so frightened that you can't move, like being numb with fear when you saw the bear near your campsite. Numb can also mean "to make insensitive," like when the dentist numbs your gums so you won't feel any pain.

Example Sentences

They were one of the most successful acts of the 2000s, with hits like Numb and In The End, that fused aggressive metal riffs to hip-hop beats.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2024

The process is ongoing and Blackstone is not close to striking a deal for the group behind hits such as "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb" and "Another Brick in the Wall", the people said.

From Reuters • Aug. 24, 2022

Numb is not necessarily contagious, but it is very possibly terminal.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2019

Third single "Teacher" shows off Jonas' penchant for retro-funk, and the album includes some unexpected turns, such as the slow-dripping "Numb" and the heavy "Push."

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2014

Numb with weariness, he lived in wet clothes and ate cold food.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

• anesthetize
• desensitize
• dull
• paralyze
• stupefy