numb out
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To stop feeling your emotions because things are too hard or painful.
Literal meaning: To become numb (lose sensation) all the way out — i.e., completely.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To become emotionally numb or detached, especially in response to stress, grief, or trauma.
"After hearing the terrible news, she just numbed out and sat staring at the wall for hours."
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To deliberately suppress or avoid feelings, often through distraction, substances, or compulsive behaviour.
"He would numb out with hours of television whenever he felt overwhelmed by work."
Usage notes
Commonly used in psychology, therapy, and self-help contexts. Often describes a coping mechanism. Can also be used transitively ('numb out the pain') in some varieties.
Commonly used with
feelings emotions pain stress trauma anxiety
Forms
Base
numb out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
numbs out
he/she/it
Past simple
numbed out
yesterday
Past participle
numbed out
have + pp
-ing form
numbing out
continuous
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