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benumb definition

be·numb (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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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