Benumb
to make numb; deprive of sensation:
benumbed by cold.
to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.
Historical Examples
The effect of this announcement was to benumb his faculties.
Great African Travellers W.H.G. Kingston
He was strangely reticent; my news seemed to benumb and sicken him.
The Cavalier George Washington Cable
He still drinks; not now for pleasure and in luxury, but to benumb the gnawing of an aroused conscience.
The Seven Curses of London James Greenwood
How intense must have been the suffering that could so benumb the heart!
The Allen House T. S. Arthur
At her words he gradually shook off the lethargy which seemed to benumb his senses.
The Hill of Venus Nathan Gallizier
But in poverty there is also a tendency to intimidate, to enfeeble, to benumb.
Speeches, Addresses, and Occasional Sermons, Volume 1 (of 3) Theodore Parker
What a multitude of impressions were stored in her sensitive mind, impressions which, for the moment, seemed to benumb her!
The Last Shot Frederick Palmer
It was during this period that Adah met with one of those sorrows which benumb the sensitive feminine heart.
The House Eugene Field
A great horror seemed to come upon him and benumb his body and his senses.
Frank Merriwell Down South Burt L. Standish
This blow will paralyze and benumb the muscles and nerves employed by the animal to distribute its obnoxious fluid.
Fur Farming For Profit Hermon Basil Laymon
verb (transitive)
to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold
(usually passive) to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc)
v.
late 15c., from be- + numb. Originally of mental states; of the physical body from 1520s. Related: Benumbed; benumbing.
Read Also:
- Be of good cheer
a shout of encouragement, approval, congratulation, etc.: The cheers of the fans filled the stadium. a set or traditional form of shout used by spectators to encourage or show enthusiasm for an athletic team, contestant, etc., as rah! rah! rah! something that gives joy or gladness; encouragement; comfort: words of cheer. a state of feeling […]
- Be off
Leave, depart, as in I’m off to the races; wish me luck. This phrase, first recorded in 1826, was once commonly used as an imperative, meaning “go away”—as in Be off or I’ll call the police—but today is rare in this context. Be in poor condition; be stale or spoiled; not work properly. For example, […]
- Be of service
an act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service. the supplying or supplier of utilities or commodities, as water, electricity, or gas, required or demanded by the public. the providing or a provider of accommodation and activities required by the public, as maintenance, repair, etc.: The manufacturer guarantees service and parts. the […]
- Be on
Be taking medication or an illegal drug, as in Are you on some antibiotic? or He was definitely on narcotics when it happened. [ 1930s ] Be in favor of something or willing to participate, as in We’re going dancing after the play—are you on? [ ; late 1800s ] Be engaged in some action, […]
- Be on it
be on it verb phrase To be prepared to act; to act on something promptly: I’m on it, boss