The Collaborative International Dictionary
Benumb \Be*numb"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Benumbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Benumbing.] [OE. binomen, p. p. of binimen to take away, AS. beniman; pref. be + niman to take. See Numb,
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, and cf. Benim.] To make torpid; to deprive of sensation or sensibility; to stupefy; as, a hand or foot benumbed by cold.
The creeping death benumbed her senses first.
--Dryden.
Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of benumb English)
Usage examples of "benumbing".
Helene looked at them, and quivered amidst the benumbing drowsiness which little by little seemed to fall upon the whole house.
My brain was usurped by some benumbing power, and my limbs refused to support me.
I missed my kangaroo rug and saddle for blanket and pillow, but I lighted up a good fire, and sometimes lying down, and sometimes walking about to prevent the night air from benumbing me, and occasionally having a peg at the kangaroo, making capital broils, I contrived to get through the night without losing my spirits.
Bessy, too, was in the clutch of a mute anger which slowly poured its benumbing current around her heart.
The Clinic had prepared me for it, benumbing my sense of shame, and besides, I was desperate for money.
The Clinic had prepared me for it, benumbing my sense of shame, and besides, I was desperate for money.