English · Word Candidate

numb

/nʌm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: numbest · numbs · numbing

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.

Adjective

fingers numb with cold

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.

Adjective

numb with shock; numb with boredom

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To cause to become numb (physically or emotionally).

Verb

The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To cause (a feeling) to be less intense.

Verb

He turned to alcohol to numb his pain.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “numb” mean?

Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.

Is “numb” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.