benumb

(bē num, bi-)

transitive verb

  1. to make numb physically
  2. to deaden the mind, will, or feelings of: my mind was benumbed by grief

Origin: < ME binumen, pp. of binimen, to take away < OE beniman < be-, be- + niman, to take (see -nomy); -b by analogy with dumb

See benumb in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb be·numbed, be·numb·ing, be·numbs
  1. To make numb, especially by cold.
  2. To make inactive; dull: “The anesthetic afternoon benumbs, sickens our senses” (Karl Shapiro). See Synonyms at daze.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English binomen

Origin: , from

Origin: past participle of binimen, to take away

Origin: , from Old English beniman

Origin: : be-, away; see be-

Origin: + niman, to take; see numb

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Related Forms:

  • be·numbˈment noun

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