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insensible

adjective

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L337780 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛns.ɪ.bəl/ / [ɪnˈsɛn̥sɪbl̩]

adj

Etymology: From Middle English insensible, from Old French insensible, from Late Latin īnsēnsibilis.

  1. Unable to be perceived by the senses.

    Two small and almost insensible pricks were found upon Cleopatra's arm.

    They fall away, / And languish with insensible decay.

  2. Incapable or deprived of physical sensation.

    “[…] Captain Markam had been found lying half-insensible, gagged and bound, on the floor of the sitting-room, his hands and feet tightly pinioned, and a woollen comforter wound closely round his mouth and neck ; whilst Mrs. Markham's jewel-case, containing valuable jewellery and the secret plans of Port Arthur, had disappeared.[…]”

    The Leicester Daily Mercury reflected on how these concerns were the result of changing ways of getting around: "It might sound a bit crazy or just a little revolting that at Christmas works parties, some should drink themselves into a near-insensible state... This was not serious when they used public transport, but today more men and women use their own cars."

  3. Unable to be understood; unintelligible.
  4. Not sensible or reasonable; meaningless.

    If it make the indictment be insensible or uncertain, […]it shall be quashed.

  5. Incapable of mental feeling; indifferent.

    Lost in their loves, insensible of shame.

    In spite of her deep-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection[…]

  6. Incapable of emotional feeling; callous; apathetic.