PsychologyAugust 18, 2026
numbing
NUM-ing
Definition
A psychological state in which an individual becomes indifferent or desensitized to large-scale suffering, often viewing human tragedy as abstract statistics rather than individual lives.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle English 'nummen' and the Old English 'numen,' meaning 'taken' or 'seized.' It refers to the loss of physical or emotional sensation, as if the nerves had been taken hold of or paralyzed.
In the news
The article uses the term to explain how people's emotional reactions decrease when confronted with massive casualties, causing them to view nuclear strikes as acceptable data points.
The Human Biases Behind Nuclear Decisions
Read the full article ↗The Nuclear Threat Initiative