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Numbness: meaning, definitions and examples

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numbness

[ˈnʌmnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Numbness is the lack of sensation or feeling in a part of the body. It can be temporary or chronic, and is often caused by nerve damage or poor circulation.

Synonyms

deadness, loss of sensation, tingling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
numbness	Used to describe the absence of sensation in a part of the body, usually due to cold, injury, or medical condition. After sitting awkwardly for too long, I felt numbness in my leg
loss of sensation	Medical or formal term used to describe a more general or complete lack of feeling in any part of the body, often in medical contexts. The patient reported a loss of sensation in the fingertips after the surgery
tingling	Describes a slight stinging or prickling feeling, often an early warning sign of numbness or when experiencing a sudden rush of emotions. After lying down for a long time, I felt a tingling sensation in my foot
deadness	Refers to a lack of feeling or emotion, often used metaphorically to describe emotional states. Also applicable when talking about something feeling lifeless. Her eyes reflected a sense of deadness, devoid of any spark or emotion

Examples of usage

My hand fell asleep and I experienced numbness in my fingers.
After the accident, he felt numbness in his legs.
She complained of numbness in her face after the dental procedure.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotion

Numbness can also refer to an emotional state of indifference or lack of responsiveness. It is often associated with shock, trauma, or prolonged stress.

Synonyms

apathy, indifference, unresponsiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
numbness	Typically used to describe a physical sensation or emotional state where feeling is absent or dulled. After sitting for too long, I felt numbness in my legs The shock left him with a sense of numbness
apathy	Often refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, usually in emotional or motivational contexts. Voter apathy is a serious issue in many democracies His apathy towards his work cost him his job
indifference	Indicates a lack of concern or interest, often implying a neutral or dismissive attitude. Her indifference to the problem was frustrating for everyone involved The manager's indifference to the team's complaints led to low morale
unresponsiveness	Describes a state of not reacting to stimuli or requests, and can sometimes have a negative connotation. The patient's unresponsiveness worried the doctors His unresponsiveness to emails caused delays in the project

Examples of usage

After the breakup, she felt a sense of numbness towards relationships.
The news of the tragedy left him in a state of emotional numbness.
The constant pressure at work led to a feeling of numbness towards his job.

Translations

Translations of the word "numbness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dormência

🇮🇳 सुन्नपन

🇩🇪 Taubheit

🇮🇩 kebas

🇺🇦 оніміння

🇵🇱 drętwienie

🇯🇵 痺れ (しびれ)

🇫🇷 engourdissement

🇪🇸 entumecimiento

🇹🇷 uyuşma

🇰🇷 무감각

🇸🇦 خدر

🇨🇿 necitelnost

🇸🇰 necitelnost

🇨🇳 麻木 (má mù)

🇸🇮 omrtvelost

🇮🇸 dofi

🇰🇿 ұйқышылдық

🇬🇪 გაყუჩება

🇦🇿 keyləşmə

🇲🇽 entumecimiento

Etymology

The word 'numbness' originated from the Old English word 'nimen', which meant 'to seize or take'. Over time, it evolved to include the sense of lack of feeling or sensation. The concept of numbness has been recognized in medical texts dating back to ancient civilizations, where treatments for numbness were described using various natural remedies and techniques.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,931, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18928 faunal
18929 deviated
18930 medially
18931 numbness
18932 dispatcher
18933 pensive
18934 wealthiest
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