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engourdir

to numb, to make drowsy

verb ahn-goor-DEER Rare

Usage Note

Engourdir describes the numbing of a limb from cold or pressure (mes pieds sont engourdis — my feet are numb) and, figuratively, the dulling of the mind or spirit. The past participle engourdi is also used as an adjective. The noun is engourdissement (numbness, torpor).

Examples

"Le froid engourdit ses doigts rapidement."

Natural Translation

The cold numbs his fingers quickly.

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