Numb - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT numb /nəm/ /nəm/ IPA guide

Other forms: numbed; numbing; numbs; numbingly

Numb is an adjective that describes a lack of sensation. After skiing all day, your toes might be numb from the cold. You'd feel numb for hours after hearing that your favorite band broke up.

People can feel numb in terms of their feelings and emotions. For example, if you've had your heart broken lots of times, you start to become numb — the breakups don't upset you so much. Numb can also describe being so frightened that you can't move, like being numb with fear when you saw the bear near your campsite. Numb can also mean "to make insensitive," like when the dentist numbs your gums so you won't feel any pain.

Definitions of numb

adjective lacking sensation “numb with cold” synonyms: asleep, benumbed insensible incapable of physical sensation
adjective (followed by `to') not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive “numb to the cries for mercy” synonyms: dead insensitive deficient in human sensibility; not mentally or morally sensitive
adjective so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified “too numb with fear to move” synonyms: afraid filled with fear or apprehension
verb make numb or insensitive “The shock numbed her senses” synonyms: benumb, blunt, dull see moresee less type of: desensitise, desensitize cause not to be sensitive

Pronunciation US /nəm/ UK /nəm/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘numb'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing numb

The Watsons Go to Birmingham Christopher Paul Curtis

When the Watson family pays Grandma a visit in Alabama, they find themselves caught up in the battle for civil rights.

Lesson 1

The Circuit Francisco Jiménez

This collection of autobiographical short stories by Francisco Jiménez explores the immigrant experience in the United States.

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