numb

Meaning

Adj

1. Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
2. Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.
3. Dumb or stupid.
4. (obsolete) Causing numbness.

Verb

1. To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).
2. To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.
3. To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.
4. To become numb (especially physically).

Pronounced as (IPA)

/nʌm/

Etymology

From the past participle of nim (“to take”). Compare German benommen (“dazed, numb”). The final ⟨b⟩ is a later addition; it was never pronounced, and did not appear in the original word.