numb

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   not showing human feeling or sensitivity, when followed by 'to'

   I was numb to their pleas for mercy.

2. 2
   verb

   make numb or insensitive

   The shock numbed our senses.

3. 3
   adj

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

   fingers numb with cold

4. 4
   adj

   Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.

   numb with shock; numb with boredom

5. 5
   adj

   Causing numbness.

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

6. 6
   verb

   To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).

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

7. 7
   verb

   To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.

   He turned to alcohol to numb his pain.

8. 8
   verb

   To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.

   […] hunger, fatigue, and despairing hopelessness had numbed his brain […]

Etymology

From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”) and Old Norse numinn. The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.