Definition of NUMB

numb

Verb

Verb Forms: numbed, numbing, numbs

  • To make numb; to deprive of sensation.
  • make numb or insensitive
    • "The shock numbed her senses"
  • To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).
  • To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.
  • To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.
  • To become numb (especially physically).

Adjective Satellite

  • lacking sensation
    • "numb with cold"
  • (followed by `to') not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive
    • "numb to the cries for mercy"
  • so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified
    • "too numb with fear to move"

Adj

  • Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
  • Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.
  • Dumb or stupid.
  • Causing numbness.

Adjective

  • Deprived of the power of sensation; unable to feel.

Examples

  • After hours of Scrabble, his brain felt ’NUMB’ from all the word permutations.
  • fingers numb with cold
  • He turned to alcohol to numb his pain.
  • legs numb from kneeling
  • The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.
  • The repetitive nature of the game started to ’NUMB’ his competitive spirit.
  • When I first heard the news, I was numbed by the shock.

Origin / Etymology

From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”) and Old Norse numinn. The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.

Antonyms

sensible, sensitive

Scrabble Score: 8

numb: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
numb: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
numb: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

numb: valid Words With Friends Word