to numb / anesthetize / stun
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to numb / anesthetize
To medically make a person or a part of the body insensitive to pain, usually before an operation or treatment.
Der Zahnarzt musste die Stelle erst betäuben, bevor er den Zahn ziehen konnte.
The dentist first had to numb the area before he could pull the tooth.
The verb is derived from the adjective 'taub' (numb, insensitive; also deaf). The prefix 'be-' turns it into a verb meaning 'to make something or someone numb.'
Die laute Musik hat meine Ohren fast betäubt.
The loud music almost numbed my ears.
'Betäuben' (to numb/anesthetize/stun) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'be-'. The prefix therefore always stays attached to the verb, and the past participle is formed without 'ge-': 'betäubt' (numbed/anesthetized/stunned).
Der Arzt hat den Patienten vor der Operation betäubt.
The doctor anesthetized the patient before the operation.
'Betäuben' (to numb/anesthetize/stun) is always used with an accusative object. You always numb, anesthetize, or stun someone or something.
Die Ärztin betäubt den Arm des Jungen.
The doctor numbs the boy’s arm.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about a body part, the medical meaning is meant. If it is about feelings such as pain or worries, emotional suppression is meant.
Der Arzt betäubt das Bein des Sportlers.
The doctor numbs the athlete’s leg.
In a medical context, it is often stated how something is anesthetized. Typical formulations are 'lokal betäuben' (to anesthetize locally) or 'eine Spritze zur Betäubung geben' (to give an injection for anesthesia).
Für den kleinen Eingriff muss nur die Hand lokal betäubt werden.
For the minor procedure, only the hand needs to be anesthetized locally.
to repress / displace
'verdrängen' and 'betäuben' can both have to do with unpleasant feelings such as pain, fear, or grief. 'verdrängen' means pushing a feeling or memory away internally and not wanting to think about it. This often happens unconsciously. 'betäuben' means making a feeling weaker, often through something external, for example alcohol, medication, or strong distraction. The risk of confusion lies in the fact that in both cases, the pain is not truly resolved. Practically speaking: you 'verdrängst' something in your head; you are more likely to 'betäubst' a feeling through a substance or behavior.
Nach der Trennung versucht sie, ihre Trauer mit zu viel Arbeit zu betäuben.
After the breakup, she tries to numb her grief with too much work.
Tom verdrängt seine Angst vor der Prüfung und spricht mit niemandem darüber.
Tom represses his fear of the exam and does not talk to anyone about it.