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Benumbing: meaning, definitions and examples

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benumbing

 

[ bəˈnəmbɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical sensation

Benumbing refers to causing a loss of physical sensation or feeling, often due to extreme cold or a lack of circulation. It can also describe a numbing emotional or mental state, where one feels detached or unresponsive to stimuli. This term is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed or rendered insensitive by external circumstances.

Synonyms

deadening, insensate, numbing, overwhelming, stunning

Examples of usage

  • The benumbing cold made it hard to stay outside for long.
  • After hearing the bad news, he fell into a benumbing silence.
  • The medication had a benumbing effect on her pain.
  • His benumbing experience at the concert left him feeling empty.

Translations

Translations of the word "benumbing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entorpecente

🇮🇳 सुस्त करने वाला

🇩🇪 betäubend

🇮🇩 mematikan

🇺🇦 обеззброюючий

🇵🇱 otępiający

🇯🇵 麻痺させる

🇫🇷 engourdissant

🇪🇸 adormecedor

🇹🇷 uyuşuklaştırıcı

🇰🇷 마비시키는

🇸🇦 مُخدِّر

🇨🇿 otupující

🇸🇰 otupujúci

🇨🇳 麻木的

🇸🇮 otopel

🇮🇸 daufandi

🇰🇿 есіртетін

🇬🇪 ბუჩქოვანი

🇦🇿 donduran

🇲🇽 adormecedor

Etymology

The word 'benumbing' originates from the prefix 'be-', which means 'to make' or 'to cause to be', combined with 'numb', traceable to Middle English 'nom', which stems from Old English 'numb', derived from the Proto-Germanic 'numbaz' meaning 'to lose feeling or sensation'. The term evolved throughout centuries as language developed, especially during the transition from Old English to Middle English, reflecting both physical and emotional states of numbness. It has cultural and literary relevance, often used in poetic expressions to convey the feeling of being lost to sensations, emotions, or reality. The evolution of its use indicates a broader understanding of both physical and emotional states, highlighting the human experience of feeling detached or unresponsive due to various stimuli.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,152, 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.