Definition of numbness

The word "numbness" has its roots in Middle English, dating back to around the 14th century. It derives from the Old English words "num" meaning "dead" and "ness" meaning "condition" or "state". Initially, the term referred to a sensation of being in a state of numbness or insensibility, as if one's body parts had died. Over time, the meaning of "numbness" expanded to include a range of sensations, such as tingling, dullness, or lack of feeling in a specific part of the body, usually due to injury, disease, or exposure to cold temperatures. This expanded sense of the word can be traced back to the 16th century, when English language and vocabulary were undergoing significant changes. In modern English, "numbness" is commonly used to describe a range of sensations, from temporary tingling in the fingers or toes to chronic numbness caused by medical conditions, such as neuropathy.