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 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.

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)

There can be nothing so insufferable at a party as one of those people who seem determined to benumb your gayety by their sullen looks and their stiff manners.

From Fr?d?rique; vol. 1 by Kock, Charles Paul de

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