numb
UK[nʌm]US[nʌm]
adj
(of a part of the body) lacking the power of sensation or feeling
adj
lacking emotion or the ability to react; unresponsive
v
to cause a part of the body to become numb
v
to make someone unable to think, feel, or react normally
Etymology
the word 'numb' originates from the middle english 'nome', meaning 'taken, seized', which is the past participle of the old english verb 'niman' (to take). this connection stems from the concept of being 'taken' or 'seized' by cold or paralysis, leading to a loss of sensation. over time, the meaning shifted from the active state of being seized to the passive physical condition of insensibility. the modern spelling with a 'b' was influenced by the related middle english verb 'numben', solidifying its association with the deprivation of feeling, both physical and emotional.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from middle english 'nome' or 'nomen', which evolved from the past participle of the old english verb 'niman', meaning 'to take'. its current form and meaning were influenced by association with the middle english word 'numben', meaning 'deprived of feeling'.
Examples
my fingers were numb from the cold.
the shocking news left her feeling numb.
the dentist will numb the area before the procedure.