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

Here in the night they were overwhelmed by a second fall of snow still heavier than the preceding; sufficient to cover over the sleeping men and their arms, and to benumb the cattle.

From The Two Great Retreats of History by Montgomery, D. H. (David Henry)

Out of the untroubled surface rose the trunks of sickly looking and decayed trees, presenting amid the black and driving rain, a spectacle sufficient to chill and benumb the most manly heart.

From The Second War with England, Vol. 1 of 2 by Headley, Joel Tyler

Few laws have ever been passed better calculated than this to harden the heart and benumb the conscience of every man who assists in its execution.

From Autographs for Freedom, Volume 2 (of 2) (1854) by Griffiths, Julia

The intense cold, that soon began to benumb the senses of Sandie, seemed to have no deterrent effect on his efforts.

From Wild Adventures round the Pole The Cruise of the "Snowbird" Crew in the "Arrandoon" by Stables, Gordon