benumb

verb

be·​numb bi-ˈnəm How to pronounce benumb (audio)
bē-
benumbed; benumbing; benumbs
Synonyms of benumbnext

transitive verb

1
: to make inactive : deaden
2
: to make numb especially by cold

Synonyms of benumb

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Examples of benumb in a Sentence

a succession of personal tragedies had benumbed him to all grief
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s destructive, and eventually benumbing, is the kitchen-sink clutter of fantasy, reality, wish-fulfillment and glib enchantment. — Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2019 But her core insight into how even mediocrities can be institutionally benumbed and conscripted into heinous projects remains fertile. — George Prochnik, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English benomen, from benomen, past participle of benimen to deprive, from Old English beniman, from be- + niman to take — more at nimble

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of benumb was in the 14th century

Rhymes for benumb

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Browse Nearby Words

Benue
benumb
benumbingly
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Cite this Entry

“Benumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benumb. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

benumb

verb
be·​numb bi-ˈnəm How to pronounce benumb (audio)
: to make numb especially by cold

More from Merriam-Webster on benumb

Nglish: Translation of benumb for Spanish Speakers

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