numb

[ nuhm ]

adjective

, numb·er, numb·est.

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to make numb.

numb

/ nʌm /

adjective

1. deprived of feeling through cold, shock, etc
2. unable to move; paralysed
3. characteristic of or resembling numbness

   a numb sensation

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˈnumbly, adverb
• ˈnumbness, noun

Other Words From

• numb·ly adverb
• numb·ness noun
• half-numb adjective
• un·numbed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of numb¹

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”; nim ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of numb¹

C15: nomen, literally: taken (with paralysis), from Old English niman to take; related to Old Norse nema, Old High German niman

Example Sentences

Makes sense when you figure out how numb many people are to facts, how horribly the press has communicated facts, how little most people think of those reporting the facts, and how gullible those very same people are.

From Salon

But Trump’s team had long since grown numb to such critiques.

From Los Angeles Times

A strutting psych-blues jam with visions of “great cities that toppled and drowned,” it’s a highlight from the Pink Floyd veteran’s strong new solo album, “Luck and Strange” — and one of the latter-day cuts his fans will politely nod their heads to a few hours from now between beloved oldies such as “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb.”

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, it seems that some of us have already become numb to it.

From Salon

Not that there were a lot in attendance; Gilmour aficionados tend toward the fanatical, the guitarist’s instantly recognizable tone and solos, notably the emotive psych-blues of “Comfortably Numb,” iconic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dazed
• indifferent