benumb

American  

[bih-nuhm] / bɪˈnʌm /

verb (used with object)

1. to make numb; deprive of sensation.

   benumbed by cold.

2. to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.

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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)

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Other Word Forms

• benumbedness noun
• benumbingly adverb
• benumbment noun
• unbenumbed adjective

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

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

The effect of this announcement was to benumb his faculties.

From Great African Travellers From Mungo Park to Livingstone and Stanley by Kingston, William Henry Giles

Trembling with expectancy, she waited several minutes, then pulled again, and once more waited while the cold of dread spread from her heart to chill and benumb her hands and feet.

From Joan Thursday by Vance, Louis Joseph

Greek Philosophy.—The essential pedantic stupidity of Aristotle’s logic, and its power to belittle and benumb the intelligence of its reverential students has been shown in every college where this effete study is kept up.

From Buchanan's Journal of Man, September 1887 Volume 1, Number 8 by Buchanan, Joseph R. (Joseph Rodes)

With a nature like his the abrupt catastrophe did not benumb; it even stimulated; but it took the flavour out of many of his pursuits.

From Sir Walter Ralegh A Biography by Stebbing, W. (William)