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Numbing: meaning, definitions and examples

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numbing

 

[ ˈnəmɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

sensory loss

Numbing refers to a loss of feeling or sensation in a part of the body. It can be caused by various factors, including physical injury, medical conditions, or exposure to extreme temperatures. The term may also be used metaphorically to describe emotional detachment or a sense of dullness in reacting to events or experiences. Numbing can occur temporarily or can be a chronic condition depending on the underlying cause.

Synonyms

desensitized, insensitive, unfeeling

Examples of usage

  • After the injury, she experienced numbing in her fingers.
  • The cold wind caused a numbing effect on her skin.
  • His numbing speech left the audience in silence.

Translations

Translations of the word "numbing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entorpecente

🇮🇳 संवेदनहीन

🇩🇪 betäubend

🇮🇩 menghilangkan rasa

🇺🇦 знеболюючий

🇵🇱 otępiający

🇯🇵 麻痺させる

🇫🇷 engourdissant

🇪🇸 adormecedor

🇹🇷 uyutucu

🇰🇷 마비시키는

🇸🇦 مخدر

🇨🇿 otupující

🇸🇰 otupujúci

🇨🇳 麻木的

🇸🇮 otopel

🇮🇸 doðra

🇰🇿 сезімталдылық

🇬🇪 მძიმედიც

🇦🇿 hissiyatı itələyən

🇲🇽 adormecedor

Word origin

The word 'numbing' originates from the Old English term 'numen,' which means to be taken or made numb. The change from 'numen' to 'numb' occurred in the Middle Ages, evolving through various forms before reaching its modern usage. The concept of numbing, particularly in relation to pain or sensation, has been historically significant in medicine and philosophy. In medical terminology, numbing is often associated with anesthesia, which stems from the Greek word 'anaisthesia,' meaning lack of sensation. This link highlights the importance of understanding sensory experiences and their alteration throughout history, especially in therapeutic contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,941, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.