Agency Dictionary
numbness
nounPronunciation: /ˈnʌm.nəs/
In Portuguese: entorpecimento
Psychology & MindWhat does “numbness” mean?
The state of being unable to feel or react, in the body or, figuratively, in the mind and the will.
Etymology
Formed from numb plus the native English suffix -ness, which names a state or quality. Numb descends from Middle English nomen, the past participle of nimen (to take, to seize), from Old English niman; the final b is a later spelling addition. The image behind the word is of a limb taken or seized by something outside it, deprived of sensation. The word extended from physical loss of feeling to emotional absence and unresponsiveness.
Usage note
In figurative use, numbness describes an emotional state of detachment or inability to feel, often as a response to grief, trauma, or overexposure to distressing information.
Synonyms
- insensitivity
- deadness
- torpor
- anesthesia
- desensitization
Word family
- numb
- numbly
- benumb
- benumbed
Rhymes with
- dumbness
Usage examples
But the death of writing may only truly come if the writers don't wake up from their numbness and lack of responsibility for the gift that was given to them.
Writing.1 - The Titanic Theory
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- vocationnoun
- A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
- Synchronicitynoun
- The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
- Resiliencenoun
- The capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, tough conditions, or shock.
- Stigmanoun
- A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
- clevernessnoun
- The mental quality of being quick-witted, agile, and ingenious in solving specific situational problems.
- collective consciousnessnoun
- The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
- Abyssnoun
- A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
- Adversitynoun
- A state of severe hardship, difficulty, or misfortune that tests resilience and moral endurance.
- Affectnoun
- An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
- Anesthetizeverb
- To administer an anesthetic to eliminate physical feeling, or figuratively to numb emotional or critical awareness.
- Anesthetizingadjective
- Producing numbness, insensibility, or temporary relief from pain and critical awareness. In media studies, it describes content that pacifies audiences into mindless consumption.
Also from these editions: terms
- Antithesisnoun
- A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
- paperweightnoun
- A small, heavy object placed on loose sheets of paper to prevent them from scattering or blowing away.
- omissionnoun
- The intentional or accidental act of leaving something out or excluding details from a statement or text.
- Treatisenoun
- A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
- Maximnoun
- A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
- aestheticsnoun
- A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
- anesthetizedadjective
- Deprived of physical sensation or feeling, often used figuratively to describe dullness or emotional apathy.
- Authenticitynoun
- The quality of being real, genuine, and true to one's own character or stated origins.
- Catharticadjective
- Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.
- helmnoun
- The wheel or tiller by which a ship is steered. Figuratively, the position of control or leadership.
- proverbnoun
- A short, pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a perceived truth or piece of practical advice.
- salutationsnoun
- Formal gestures, greetings, or opening words of courteous address delivered upon meeting someone or beginning a discourse.
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