Pronunciation: [bɪnˈʌmz] (IPA) 
The word "benumbs" is spelled with an "e" before the "u" because it comes from the root word "numb". The "e" is added to maintain the pronunciation of the original word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "benumbs" is /bɪˈnʌmz/. The stress is on the second syllable (numb), which is pronounced as "nuhm". The final "s" is pronounced as a /z/ sound in order to conform to the grammatical rules of English.
The term "benumbs" is a verb that describes the action of causing numbness or a loss of sensation in a particular body part or, more generally, in a person's overall being. It is derived from the root word "numb," which refers to the absence of physical or emotional feeling.
To "benumb" something means to induce numbness deliberately or inadvertently. It can involve the use of external agents, such as cold temperatures or anesthesia, or the result of extreme physical pressure applied to sensory nerves, leading to the suppression of normal sensations. Metaphorically, "benumbs" can also describe a state of mental or emotional dullness, whereby an individual becomes desensitized or emotionally detached from their surroundings or experiences, rendering them impervious to usual sensations or stimuli.
The act of benumbing can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause and duration of the induced numbness. Though it may often be associated with physical effects, such as chilling or numbing of the extremities, the term can also encompass a range of psychological or emotional implications. For instance, a traumatic event may psychologically "benumb" a person, rendering them emotionally unresponsive or detached as a means of self-protection.
Overall, the verb "benumbs" captures the idea of inducing or experiencing numbness, whether in a physical or emotional sense, aptly conveying the concept of a temporary or permanent loss of sensation or sensitivity.
The word "benumbs" is derived from the combination of the prefix "be-" and the verb "numbs".
The prefix "be-" is commonly used in English to indicate intensification or covering, and in this case, it emphasizes the effect of numbing. It comes from Middle English and Old English "bī-" or "bi-", ultimately deriving from Germanic roots.
The verb "numbs" comes from the Old English word "nymrian", meaning "to seize or take". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "numben", which meant "to make numb or inert". The addition of the suffix "-s" turns the verb into the present tense third person singular form, "numbs", which means "he, she, or it numbs".
