numb

1. 1

   Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.

   • fingers numb with cold
   • legs numb from kneeling
2. 2

   Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.

   • numb with shock; numb with boredom
3. 3

   Dumb or stupid.Maine

4. 4

   Causing numbness.obsolete

   • […] he did lap me Even in his own garments, and gave himself, All thin and naked to the numb cold night.

ant. sensible · sensitive

1. 1

   To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).transitive

   • The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.
   • When I first heard the news, I was numbed by the shock.
2. 2

   To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.transitive

   • He turned to alcohol to numb his pain.
3. 3

   To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.transitive

   • […] hunger, fatigue, and despairing hopelessness had numbed his brain […]
   • The noise, the rush of air past our ears, was positively terrific. It actually seemed to numb the senses and make it almost impossible to take in impressions at all.
4. 4

   To become numb (especially physically).intransitive

   • […] after fumbling with numbing fingers for ten or fifteen minutes, he waved his hand with a gesture of despair […]
   • […] once more his feet began to numb. Again he got down and stamped the circulation going, but as soon as he began to ride again they numbed.