engourdir

The French verb "engourdir" means to numb or to make numb, and it generally refers to causing a loss of physical sensation, stiffness, or a tingling feeling in a limb or part of the body.

It can be used both literally and figuratively:

• Literally: "Le froid engourdit mes doigts." ("The cold is numbing my fingers.")
• Figuratively: "Le discours ennuyeux m’a engourdi." ("The boring speech made me feel numb/listless.")

Synonyms and differences:

• Anesthésier: To anesthetize or numb medically, typically through drugs or medical procedures; more formal and technical.
• Paralyser: To paralyze, meaning a complete loss of movement or sensation; stronger and often more permanent than "engourdir."
• Endormir: Literally "to put to sleep," but can also be used in the sense of "to numb" or "to make sleepy," often with a broader, sometimes figurative meaning.
• Assoupir: To make someone drowsy or sleepy, used mostly figuratively.

So, "engourdir" is generally for mild, temporary numbness or tingling sensations, less intense than paralysis and less technical than anesthetizing.