Clumsen

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To cause or undergo a loss of feeling and movement, especially in the hands or limbs from cold
2. To grow stiff and insensible, as fingers do when chilled, or to render something benumbed
3. Making a body part or limb stiff and lifeless through cold, so that it can barely move or feel

Etymology: The verb "clumsen" originally meant to be numbed or stiffened, especially by cold, so that the hands or fingers could no longer work properly. Its sense of physical numbness came first, and the idea of bungling or awkwardness developed from the loss of dexterity that numbness causes. It is related to the adjective "clumsy," which grew out of the same root and kept the sense of handicap by cold before taking on the modern meaning of awkwardness. The word seems to come from Scandinavian dialect forms, but its exact origin is uncertain, and it may be connected to older words meaning sticky or clammy.