numbness
UK[ˈnʌmnəs]US[ˈnʌmnəs]
n
the condition of being unable to feel anything in a particular part of your body, especially as a result of cold or anesthesia.
n
a lack of feeling or emotion; a state of emotional insensitivity.
Morpheme Breakdown
numb
ness
numb
deprived of feeling
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'numbness' originates from the old english verb 'niman', meaning 'to take or seize'. its past participle, 'numen', evolved into the middle english 'nome', describing a state of being taken or seized, particularly by cold or shock, leading to loss of sensation. the adjective 'numb' emerged from this, characterizing the physical condition. the suffix '-ness', a prolific old english noun-forming element, was then appended to create an abstract noun specifying the state or quality of being numb. thus, the literal historical progression from 'being seized' to 'lacking sensation' encapsulates the modern meaning of physical or emotional insensitivity.
Analysis
Structure: numb (deprived of feeling) + ness (state or quality)
- numb: from middle english 'nome', 'nomen', meaning 'taken, seized', from old english 'niman' (to take). in this word, it functions as an adjective root meaning 'deprived of sensation'.
- ness: from old english '-nes', '-ness', a noun-forming suffix denoting a state, condition, or quality. it is of germanic origin.
Examples
the numbness in her fingers began to fade as she warmed her hands by the fire.
after the shocking news, a sense of emotional numbness settled over him.
a common side effect of the local anesthetic is temporary numbness in the treated area.