benumb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Invention is kept alive, and the mind is not suffered to fall into that drowsy stupidity, which, in a civilized society, seems to benumb the understanding of the people….

From Forbes • Aug. 26, 2014

And then we will no more be rack'd With inward striving, and demand Of all the thousand nothings of the hour Their stupefying power; Ah yes, and they benumb us at our call!

From Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold by Arnold, Matthew

We would not employ the barbasco, that is to say, the roots of Piscidea erithryna and Jacquinia armillaris, which, when thrown into the pool, intoxicate or benumb these animals.

From Natural History in Anecdote Illustrating the nature, habits, manners and customs of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, etc., etc., etc. by Various

Few laws have ever been passed better calculated than this to harden the heart and benumb the conscience of every man who assists in its execution.

From Autographs for Freedom, Volume 2 (of 2) (1854) by Griffiths, Julia

Greek Philosophy.—The essential pedantic stupidity of Aristotle’s logic, and its power to belittle and benumb the intelligence of its reverential students has been shown in every college where this effete study is kept up.

From Buchanan's Journal of Man, September 1887 Volume 1, Number 8 by Buchanan, Joseph R. (Joseph Rodes)