Benumbing ppl. a.

[f. as prec. + -ING².] That benumbs or renders torpid; paralyzing.

1628.  Layton, Sion’s Plea, 2. One benumming bruise of judgment.

1630.  J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., III. 37. § 2. The benumming frigiditie of Greenland.

1774.  Phil. Trans., LXV. 109. The benumbing effect of that fish.

1879.  M. Arnold, Democracy, Mixed Ess., 11. To be profoundly insignificant has … a depressing and benumbing effect on the character.