numb
nuhm
Numb (adj) means Unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve. Example: “Her fingers went numb in the freezing wind.”
adj
1
Unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve.
"Her fingers went numb in the freezing wind."
2
Unable to feel or respond emotionally, often after shock or grief.
"He felt numb for days after hearing the news."
verb
1
To make (something) unable to feel physical sensation, or to dull an emotion.
"The dentist numbed his gum before the injection."
"Years of bad news had numbed her to fresh disasters."
How to use numb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot able to feel anything, whether that's in your body (like a foot that's fallen asleep) or emotionally.
Memory tip
The "b" is silent — it rhymes with "gum", not with words that pronounce a final b.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
numb with shock
go numb
numb the pain
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- numbs
- Past tense
- numbed
- Comparative
- number
- Superlative
- numbest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her fingers went _____ in the freezing wind.
Etymology
From the old past form of the verb "nim" ("to take" or "to seize"); the silent "b" was added later and was never actually pronounced.
Related words
Rhymes for numb
See all rhymes for numb →Frequently asked questions
What does “numb” mean?
The word “numb” means unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve. In plain terms, not able to feel anything, whether that's in your body (like a foot that's fallen asleep) or emotionally.
How do you pronounce “numb”?
“Numb” is pronounced nuhm (/nʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “numb” in a sentence?
Here is “numb” used in a sentence: “Her fingers went numb in the freezing wind.”
What is the opposite of “numb”?
The opposite of “numb” — its antonyms — are sensible and sensitive.
What part of speech is “numb”?
Depending on how it is used, “numb” can be an adjective and a verb.
Is “numb” a common word?
“Numb” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “numb” have?
“Numb” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to feel physical sensation, especially because of cold or pressure on a nerve.
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