benumb
verb
be·numb bi-ˈnəm 
bē-
benumbed; benumbing; benumbs
transitive verb
1
: to make inactive : deaden
2
: to make numb especially by cold
Synonyms
- blunt
- cauterize
- damp
- dampen
- deaden
- dull
- numb
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a succession of personal tragedies had benumbed him to all grief
Recent Examples on the Web What’s destructive, and eventually benumbing, is the kitchen-sink clutter of fantasy, reality, wish-fulfillment and glib enchantment. 
Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2019 But her core insight into how even mediocrities can be institutionally benumbed and conscripted into heinous projects remains fertile. George Prochnik, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2018
Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2019 But her core insight into how even mediocrities can be institutionally benumbed and conscripted into heinous projects remains fertile. George Prochnik, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2018 Word History
Etymology
Middle English benomen, from benomen, past participle of benimen to deprive, from Old English beniman, from be- + niman to take — more at nimble
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
benumb
verb
as in to numb
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling a succession of personal tragedies had benumbed him to all grief Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- numb
- dull
- reduce
- deaden
- cauterize
- blunt
- diminish
- damp
- dampen
- weaken
- subside
- subdue
- decrease
- ease
- enfeeble
- mute
- alleviate
- debilitate
- muffle
- lessen
- recede
- wane
- moderate
- lighten
- dwindle
- tone (down)
- lower
- abate
- let up (on)
- taper (off)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sharpen
- enhance
- augment
- intensify
- strengthen
- stimulate
- heighten
- amplify
- deepen
- consolidate
- whet
- arouse
- magnify
- boost
- step up
- redouble
- animate
- beef (up)