Numbness

/ˈnʌm.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a loss of sensation or feeling in a part of the body.

After sitting in the same position for too long, I experienced numbness in my legs.

a state of physical or emotional insensitivity or unresponsiveness.

The numbness I felt after hearing the bad news made it hard to process my emotions.

a condition resulting from nerve damage or compression.

The doctor diagnosed her with carpal tunnel syndrome, explaining that it often causes numbness in the fingers.

a feeling of indifference or lack of interest.

He described a numbness towards life that had settled in after years of monotony.

Middle English 'nummen', from Old English 'numian' meaning to take or capture.

numb to the world:

emotionally disconnected or indifferent.

numb with fear:

experiencing a complete lack of feeling due to fear.

Feeling out of it or detached from reality.

I was so overwhelmed that I just felt numb.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

After that party, I was completely numb.