First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
numb
adjective \ˈnəm\
: unable to feel anything in a particular part of your body because of cold, injury, etc.
: unable to think, feel, or react normally because of something that shocks or upsets you
Full Definition of NUMB
1
: devoid of sensation especially as a result of cold or anesthesia
2
: devoid of emotion : indifferent
— numb transitive verb
— numb·ly \ˈnəm-lē\ adverb
— numb·ness noun
See numb defined for English-language learners
See numb defined for kids
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Origin of NUMB
Middle English nomen, from past participle of nimen to take — more at nim
Related to NUMB
NUMB Defined for Kids
1numb
adjective \ˈnəm\
Definition of NUMB for Kids
1
: unable to feel anything especially because of cold <My toes are numb.>
2
: unable to think, feel, or react normally (as because of great fear, surprise, or sadness) <For the first few days after she left, I felt numb … — Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons>
— numb·ly adverb <He nodded numbly.>
— numb·ness noun
2numb
verb
numbednumb·ing
Definition of NUMB for Kids
: to make or become unable to feel pain or touch <The cold numbed my face.>
Medical Dictionary
numb
adjective \ˈnəm\
Medical Definition of NUMB
: devoid of sensation especially as a result of cold or anesthesia
Learn More About NUMB
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