numbness

UK: ˈnʌmnəs | US: ˈnʌmnəs

Definition

  1. n. the state of being physically or emotionally unable to feel anything

  2. n. a lack of sensation or responsiveness

Structure
numb <deprived of feeling>ness <noun suffix indicating state or condition>
Etymology

The word "numbness" combines "numb," derived from Middle English nomen (past participle of nimen, meaning "to take"), which evolved to mean "deprived of sensation" by the 17th century. The suffix "-ness," from Old English -nes, transforms adjectives into nouns denoting a state or quality. Thus, "numbness" literally means "the state of being numb." The logic reflects a progression from physical insensitivity to broader emotional or metaphorical unresponsiveness.

Examples

  1. The numbness in her fingers made it hard to grip the pen.

  2. After the shock, he felt a strange numbness in his chest.

  3. The cold weather caused temporary numbness in his toes.

  4. Emotional numbness can be a coping mechanism during trauma.

  5. The dentist’s injection left her mouth with a lingering numbness.