benumbs; benumbed; benumbing
formal
: to make (someone) numb or unable to have emotions
—usually used as benumbed
After years of war, they had become benumbed [=numb] to violence. [=violence no longer caused them to feel strong emotions]
Cite this Entry
“Benumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/benumb. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
