▪ I. benumbing, vbl. n.
(bɪˈnʌmɪŋ)
[f. benumb v.]
A rendering torpid or inactive, benumbment.
| 1552 Huloet, Benumming or taken, which is a sycknes that..taketh awaye the sinnowes. a 1569 A. Kingsmill Confl. with Satan (1578) 45 Because of his great delight hee taketh in sinne, the Apostle compareth it to benomming. 1671 Salmon Syn. Med. i. lii. 126 Catalepsis..is a sudden detention or benumning both of Mind and Body. |
▪ II. beˈnumbing, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That benumbs or renders torpid; paralyzing.
| 1628 Layton Sion's Plea 2 One benumming bruise of judgment. 1630 J. Taylor (Water P.) Wks. iii. 37. §2 The benumming frigiditie of Greenland. 1774 Phil. Trans. LXV. 109 The benumbing effect of that fish. 1879 M. Arnold Democracy, Mixed Ess. 11 To be profoundly insignificant has..a depressing and benumbing effect on the character. |