First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
insensible
adjective in·sen·si·ble \(ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\
: not able to feel pain, emotions, etc.
: not aware of something
: not conscious
Full Definition of INSENSIBLE
1
: imperceptible <dampened by an insensible dew>; broadly : slight, gradual <insensible motion>
2
: incapable or bereft of feeling or sensation: as a : not endowed with life or spirit : insentient <insensible earth> b : unconscious <knocked insensible by a sudden blow> c : lacking sensory perception or ability to react <insensible to pain>
3
a : lacking emotional response : apathetic, indifferent <insensible to fear> b : unaware <insensible of their danger>
5
: not intelligible : meaningless
6
: lacking delicacy or refinement
— in·sen·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— in·sen·si·ble·ness \(ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun
— in·sen·si·bly \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of INSENSIBLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin insensibilis, from in- + sensibilis sensible
Related to INSENSIBLE
- Synonyms
- cold, unconscious, senseless
- Antonyms
- conscious
Rhymes with INSENSIBLE
INSENSIBLENESS Defined for Kids
insensible
adjective in·sen·si·ble \in-ˈsen-sə-bəl\
Definition of INSENSIBLE for Kids
1
: not able to feel <The animal is insensible to pain.>
2
: not aware of or caring about something <They seemed insensible to the danger.>
Medical Dictionary
insensible
adjective in·sen·si·ble \-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl\
Medical Definition of INSENSIBLE
1
: incapable or bereft of feeling or sensation: as a : unconscious <knocked insensible by a sudden blow> b : lacking sensory perception or ability to react <insensible to pain> c : lacking emotional response : apathetic
2
: not perceived by the senses <insensible perspiration>
—in·sen·si·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural in·sen·si·bil·i·ties
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