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numb

verb · adjective

Simple meaning

To cause to be less intense.

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

nuhm
US device voice
IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈnʌm

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

verb

  1. transitive

    To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).

  2. intransitive

    To become numb (especially physically).

  3. transitive

    To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.

  4. transitive

    To cause (the mind, faculties, etc.) to be less acute.

  5. Make numb or insensitive

adjective

  1. Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.

  2. Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.

Word at a Glance

Difficulty
C1 · Advanced (estimated)
Frequency
Uncommon
Typical Use
Neutral / general English

More ways to use numb

  • “The shock numbed her senses.”verb

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Common Patterns and Combinations

How this word naturally appears with others.

numb feelingnumb hands

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Word Family

Related forms, grouped by how they connect.

Word family

Words built from the same root.

  • numbernounPerson or profession

    The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals.

  • numbnessnounDerived noun · specialist

    Partial or total lack of sensation in a part of the body.

More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin

Synonyms

Sense: physically unable to feel

asleepbenumbedinsensibledead

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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.