Main Entry: be·numb

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈnəm, bē-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English benomen, from benomen, past participle of benimen to deprive, from Old English beniman, from be- + niman to take — more at nimble

Date: 14th century

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