numb etymology

Etymology:

The word "numb" comes from the Old English word "numen," meaning "to be deprived of bodily sensation." It is related to the Old Norse word "numinn," meaning "taken away," and the Old High German word "numen," meaning "to be destitute."

Meaning and Origin:

The word "numb" has two main meanings:

  • Loss of Sensation: To lose the ability to feel or have a reduced ability to sense touch, temperature, or pain. This can be caused by nerve damage, exposure to cold, or certain medical conditions.
  • Emotionally Apathetic: To be indifferent or lacking feeling or enthusiasm. This is often used in a figurative sense to describe a state of emotional detachment or insensitivity.

The word "numb" was first used in the 13th century to refer to the physical loss of sensation. Over time, it has also been extended to encompass the figurative sense of emotional apathy.

numb relate terms

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