Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Numb

Numb

(nŭm)
,
Adj.
[OE.
nume
,
nome
, prop., seized, taken, p. p. of
nimen
to take, AS.
niman
, p. p.
numen
. √7. See
Nimble
,
Nomad
, and cf.
Benumb
.]
1.
Enfeebled in, or destitute of, the power of sensation and motion; rendered torpid; benumbed; insensible;
as, the fingers or limbs are
numb
with cold
.
“A stony image, cold and numb.”
Shak.
2.
Producing numbness; benumbing;
as, the
numb
, cold night
.
[Obs.]
Shak.

Numb

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Numbed
(nŭmd)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Numbing
(nŭm′ĭng)
.]
To make numb; to deprive of the power of sensation or motion; to render senseless or inert; to deaden; to benumb; to stupefy.
For lazy winter
numbs
the laboring hand.
Dryden.
Like dull narcotics,
numbing
pain.
Tennyson.

Webster 1828 Edition


Numb

NUMB

,
Adj.
1.
Torpid; destitute of the power of sensation and motion; as, the fingers or limbs are numb with cold.
2.
Producing numbness; benumbing; as the numb cold night. [Not used nor proper.]

NUMB

,
Verb.
T.
To make torpid; to deprive of the power of sensation or motion; to deaden; to benumb; to stupefy.
For lazy winter numbs the laboring hand.
And numbing coldness has embraced the ear.