to numb / anesthetize / stun
Loading your saved state.
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.
to numb
To weaken or suppress a strong feeling, such as pain or grief, through external influences, such as alcohol or medication.
Er versuchte, seinen Liebeskummer mit lauter Musik zu betäuben.
He tried to numb his heartbreak with loud music.
to stun
To make an animal unconscious, especially before slaughter, in order to spare it suffering.
Die Schweine werden vor der Schlachtung vorschriftsmäßig betäubt.
The pigs are stunned according to regulations before slaughter.
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.
