benumb

[ bih-nuhm ]
/ bɪˈnʌm /

verb (used with object)

to make numb; deprive of sensation: benumbed by cold.
to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.

Origin of benumb

1350–1400; back formation from Middle English benomen, past participle of benimen to take away, Old English beniman; cognate with Dutch benemen, German benehmen, Gothic biniman. See be-, nimble, numb

OTHER WORDS FROM benumb

be·numbed·ness [bih-nuhmd-nis, -nuhm-id-] /bɪˈnʌmd nɪs, -ˈnʌm ɪd-/, noun be·numb·ing·ly, adverb be·numb·ment, noun un·be·numbed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for benumb

British Dictionary definitions for benumb

benumb
/ (bɪˈnʌm) /

verb (tr)

to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold
(usually passive) to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc)

Derived forms of benumb

benumbingly, adverb