insensibility
|in/sen/si/bil/i/ty|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˌsɛnsəˈbɪləti/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˌsɛnsɪˈbɪlɪti/
lack of sensation or emotion
Etymology
'insensibility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'insensibilitas,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'sensibilis' meant 'sensitive.'
'insensibilitas' transformed into the Old French word 'insensibilité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'insensibility' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'lack of physical sensation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lack of emotional response or consciousness.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state of being without sensation or consciousness.
After the accident, he lay in a state of insensibility.
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Noun 2
lack of emotional response or sensitivity.
Her insensibility to the suffering of others was shocking.
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Last updated: 2025/02/16 22:21