Numb

/nʌm/ · adjective

Meaning

Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation..

Definitions by Sense

1. Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
2. Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.
3. (Maine) Dumb or stupid.
4. (obsolete) Causing numbness.
5. (transitive) To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).
6. (transitive) To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.
7. (transitive) To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.
8. (intransitive) To become numb (especially physically).

Example Sentences

fingers numb with cold

legs numb from kneeling

numb with shock; numb with boredom

[…] when we know that hundreds are rendered homeless every day, and countless thousands are killed and wounded, men and boys mowed down like a field of grain, and with as little compunction, we grow a little bit numb to human misery.

[…] seeing the dog—somehow that made me feel again. I’d been too dazed, too numb, to feel the full viciousness of it.

[…] he submitted […] as a traitor, his mind numb with vodka, submits to a firing squad.

[…] he did lap me Even in his own garments, and gave himself, All thin and naked to the numb cold night.

The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.

Synonyms for numb

Antonyms for numb

Related Words

Word Forms

• number
• numbest
• numbs
• numbing
• numbed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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