benumb
UK[bɪˈnʌm]US[bɪˈnʌm]
v
to make someone or something unable to feel, think, or react normally, especially because of cold, shock, or a strong emotion
Morpheme Breakdown
be
numb
be
numb
Etymology
the word 'benumb' is a compound formed within english. the prefix 'be-', of germanic origin, is used here as an intensifier, meaning 'thoroughly' or 'completely'. the root 'numb' entered middle english from old english, where its original sense related to being seized or taken. over time, influenced by related concepts of insensibility, its meaning narrowed to signify a loss of physical sensation or feeling. therefore, 'benumb' literally means 'to make thoroughly numb', describing the process of depriving sensation or mental alertness, often due to cold or shock.
Analysis
Structure: be + numb
be- (old english, a prefix forming verbs with a sense of 'around, thoroughly, causing to be') + numb (middle english, from old english niman 'to take', but influenced in meaning by latin numbus 'deprived of feeling')
Examples
the bitter cold began to benumb my fingers and toes.
the shocking news seemed to benumb her, leaving her silent and motionless.
a large dose of the anesthetic will benumb the entire area.