Definition

Describing a person who is not fully alert or aware of their surroundings, often appearing confused or disoriented.

Example

After the accident, he seemed obtunded and did not respond to questions.

Conversation

I noticed that John seemed really obtunded during the meeting today.

Yeah, he was definitely not himself; I wonder if he’s feeling okay.

I hope he’s just tired and not dealing with anything serious.

Me too; I’ll check in with him later to see how he’s doing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To dull or reduce the intensity of something, often referring to sensations or feelings.

Example

The medication helped to obtund the patient's pain during recovery.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was feeling really anxious about the exam yesterday.

What happened? Did you study enough?

Not really, I think my nerves obtunded my ability to focus.

Root Explanation

Obtunded → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against or toward) and "tundere" (meaning to beat or strike). The word describes a state of being dulled or less sensitive, as if being struck against something to lessen its sharpness.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'struck against' ('tundere') to become 'dull' or less sensitive ('ob-'). This helps you remember that 'obtunded' refers to a state of reduced sensitivity.

Visually Confused Words