Definition

To make someone or something unable to feel or react, often due to cold or a lack of sensation.

Example

The freezing water can benumb your fingers if you stay in it too long.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was outside for so long yesterday that the cold really started to benumb my fingers.

That sounds awful! I hate when that happens.

Yeah, I should've worn gloves to prevent the cold from making them benumb like that.

Definitely! Next time, don't forget to bundle up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Benumb → It is formed from "be-" (meaning to cause to be) and "numb" (from Old English "numen", meaning to make numb or dull). The word "benumb" means to cause to be numb or to make insensitive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be' ('be-') 'numb' — that's why benumb means to make something numb.

Visually Confused Words