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."
numb out
B2 informal intransitive
To emotionally shut down or become unfeeling, often as a response to stress, trauma, or overwhelm.
In plain English
To stop feeling your emotions because things are too hard or painful.
What does "numb out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become numb (lose sensation) all the way out — i.e., completely.
Actually means
To stop feeling your emotions because things are too hard or painful.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "numb out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
feelings emotions pain stress trauma anxiety
How to conjugate "numb out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "numb out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "numb out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.