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Benumb: meaning, definitions and examples

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benumb

 

[ bɪˈnʌm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical sensation

To benumb means to make something unable to feel or respond. It is often used in the context of physical sensations being dulled or rendered ineffective, usually due to cold or numbness.

Synonyms

insensate, numb, paralyze

Examples of usage

  • The freezing weather caused the fingers to benumb.
  • She felt her limbs begin to benumb after sitting in one position for too long.
  • The medication seemed to benumb the pain temporarily.

Translations

Translations of the word "benumb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entorpecer

🇮🇳 सुस्त करना

🇩🇪 betäuben

🇮🇩 mematikan

🇺🇦 паралізувати

🇵🇱 ogłuszyć

🇯🇵 麻痺させる

🇫🇷 engourdir

🇪🇸 entorpecer

🇹🇷 sersemletmek

🇰🇷 마비시키다

🇸🇦 يخدر

🇨🇿 otupit

🇸🇰 otupiť

🇨🇳 麻痹

🇸🇮 otopeti

🇮🇸 daufka

🇰🇿 мүгедек ету

🇬🇪 მოწყვეტა

🇦🇿 dondurmaq

🇲🇽 entorpecer

Etymology

The word 'benumb' originates from the Middle English word 'benumen', which means to deprive of the power to feel or act. This word is formed from the prefix 'be-' combined with 'numb', which has roots in Old English 'numb', describing a lack of sensation or feeling. The prefix 'be-' can indicate the process of causing a state or condition. Thus, 'benumb' has retained its meaning over centuries, conveying the idea of dulling or depriving something of its usual ability to feel or respond, primarily in a physical context. The usage of 'benumb' has evolved but has remained tied to contexts of physical sensation and emotional states.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,727, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.