What does numbs mean?
Numbs are the numb parts of the body, especially the fingers and toes, when sensation has been reduced by cold, pressure, injury, impaired circulation, or prolonged use of a constricting object. The expression is commonly used in the phrase “numb with cold,” while “go numb” describes the process of sensation disappearing. Numbs also has a figurative meaning: someone described as numbs is emotionally unresponsive or has become hardened to distressing events. Because physical numbness can conceal further tissue damage, it is often treated as a warning sign rather than merely a temporary discomfort. The word is especially associated with exposure to extreme cold but can refer to many other causes of lost sensation.
A body part that has lost or greatly reduced its sensation, especially because of cold, pressure, injury, or restricted blood flow.
"He could not feel his numbs after the fall."
Usually plural. The singular form “a numb” is uncommon in modern standard English.
To cause loss of sensation in a body part; to make someone emotionally unresponsive.
"The cold numbed her fingers."
This is the third-person singular simple present form of the verb numb.
The standard singular is “numb,” although plural “numbs” is much more common in modern usage.
"One of her feet had gone numb."
Severe cold can numb the fingers and toes, but the body's warning signs often disappear before the danger does.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does numbs come from?
The underlying adjective numb comes through Middle English from Old English num, meaning “deaf,” “dull,” or “benumbed.” The modern past participle and adjective developed senses involving loss of sensation, especially from cold or pressure. The formation with -th was influenced by Scandinavian vocabulary, while the short vowel reflects regular English shortening before certain consonant clusters.
Related word forms
How numbs is actually used
The plural is more usual than the singular in modern English. It can describe a physical loss of sensation or, figuratively, emotional insensitivity.