English · Emotions & Feelings

numbness

/ˈnʌm.nəs/

[/ˈnʌm.nəs/]

absence of feeling

Intermediatenoun

Definition

A loss of physical sensation or of normal emotional response.

Example

A protective numbness settled over her in the first shocked days after the sudden loss.

A protective numbness settled over her in the first shocked days after the sudden loss.

Etymology

From 'numb' (Middle English 'nomen', taken, seized) plus '-ness'.

How & Where It’s Used

Refers to loss of physical sensation or emotional deadening.

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