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Numb vs Desensitize - What's the difference?

numb | desensitize |

As verbs the difference between numb and desensitize

is that numb is to cause to become numb while desensitize is to cause to become less sensitive or insensitive.

As an adjective numb

is without the power of sensation and motion or feeling; insensible.

numb

English

Adjective

(er)
  • Without the power of sensation and motion or feeling; insensible.
  • Not able to react, surprised, shocked.
  • Causing numbness.
  • * Shakespeare
    • All thin and naked to the numb cold night.

    Antonyms

    * sensible, sensitive

    Derived terms

    * benumb * numbly * numbness * numbnuts

    Related terms

    * numskull

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To cause to become numb.
    • The dentist gave me novocaine to numb my tooth before drilling, thank goodness.

    Synonyms

    * benumb

    desensitize

    English

    Alternative forms

    * desensitise (British)

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To cause to become less sensitive or insensitive.
    • Working in an Operating Room desensitized me to the sight of blood.

    Derived terms

    * (l)