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benumb

 - 2 dictionary results

be⋅numb

  [bi-nuhm]
Use benumb in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to make numb; deprive of sensation: benumbed by cold.
2. to render inactive; deaden or stupefy.
Origin:
1350–1400; back formation from ME benomen, ptp. of benimen to take away, OE beniman; c. D benemen, G benehmen, Goth biniman. See be-, nimble, numb

Related forms:
be⋅numbed⋅ness  [bi-nuhmd-nis, -nuhm-id-] , noun
be⋅numb⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
be⋅numb⋅ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To benumb
be·numb   (bĭ-nŭm')   
tr.v.   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.


[Middle English binomen, from past participle of binimen, to take away, from Old English beniman : be-, away; see be- + niman, to take; see numb.]
be·numb'ment n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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