numb
numb Lexical Profile
numb Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Deprived of physical sensation or the power of movement, as from extreme cold, shock, or an anesthetic.
"After walking through the blizzard without gloves, his fingers were completely numb."
Unable to think, feel, or react normally due to emotional shock, grief, or trauma.
"She sat in the waiting room feeling numb after hearing the sudden news."
• verb
To deprive of physical sensation or the ability to move, especially through cold or anesthesia.
"The dentist used a local gel to numb the gums before administering the injection."
To dull or reduce the intensity of emotional pain, responsiveness, or mental alertness.
"Months of monotonous routine began to numb his enthusiasm for the project."
• Rhymes for numb
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'nome', the past participle of 'nimen' (meaning 'to take' or 'to seize'), from Old English 'niman'. The modern silent 'b' was added in the 17th century by analogy with words like 'dumb' and 'crumb'.