benumb
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be·numb

transitive verb \bi-ˈnəm, bē-\

Definition of BENUMB

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

Examples of BENUMB

  1. <a succession of personal tragedies had benumbed him to all grief>

Origin of BENUMB

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

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