benumb

[bih-nuhm]

benumb Definition

• 1. to make numb or inactive
• 2. to deprive of physical or emotional feeling

Using benumb: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "benumb" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The cold had benumbed her fingers.

• Example

  The shock of the accident had benumbed him.

• Example

  The monotonous work had benumbed his mind.

• Example

  The medicine will benumb the pain.

benumb Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for benumb

• numb
• paralyze
• stun
• anaesthetize
• desensitize

Antonyms for benumb

• activate
• enliven
• stimulate

Phrases with benumb

• benumb with fear

  to cause someone to feel so afraid that they become unable to move or act

  Example

  The sight of the snake benumbed her with fear.

• benumb with cold

  to cause someone to feel so cold that they become unable to move or act

  Example

  The freezing temperature benumbed his hands and feet.

• benumb the senses

  to cause a loss of sensation in one's body

  Example

  The anesthetic will benumb the senses during the surgery.

Origins of benumb

from Old English 'binnan', meaning 'to bind or shut up' and 'numb', meaning 'deprived of the power of sensation'

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Summary: benumb in Brief

'Benumb' [bih-nuhm] is a verb that means to make numb or inactive, often by depriving someone of physical or emotional feeling. Examples include 'The cold had benumbed her fingers.' and 'The medicine will benumb the pain.' The phrase 'benumb with fear' describes a state of being so afraid that one becomes unable to move or act.