numb

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb make numb or insensitive
  2. adjective lacking sensation
  3. adjective (followed by `to') not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

benumb, blunt, dull

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