Numb has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
Verb
· Adjective
Verb
1
make numb or insensitive
"The shock numbed her senses"
2
To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).
"The cold wind bit so fiercely that my fingers quickly became completely numb."
Adjective
1
lacking sensation
"my foot is asleep"
"numb with cold"
2
(followed by `to') not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive
"passersby were dead to our plea for help"
"numb to the cries for mercy"
3
so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified
"too numb with fear to move"
4
Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
"After sitting on that cold metal bench for an hour, my fingers felt completely numb and I couldn't wiggle them at all."
Example Sentences
"The shock numbed her senses"
verb
"my foot is asleep"
adjective
"numb with cold"
adjective
"passersby were dead to our plea for help"
adjective
"numb to the cries for mercy"
adjective
"too numb with fear to move"
adjective
Related Terms
Show all 56 terms ↓
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Origin
Numb comes from the past participle of an old word meaning "to take." Although related words exist in German and Old Norse, the letter 'b' at the end was added much later and was never actually spoken.