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Paralyse vs Numb - What's the difference?

paralyse | numb |

As a noun paralyse

is paralysis (loss of muscle control).

As an adjective numb is

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

As a verb numb is

to cause to become numb.

paralyse

English

Alternative forms

* paralyze (mainly US and Canada )

Verb

  • To afflict with paralysis.
  • To make unable to move; to immobilize.
  • To make unable to function properly.
    • The transport strike paralysed the city.

    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