insensible Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective incapable of physical sensation
    • insensible to pain
    • insensible earth
  2. adjective satellite unaware of or indifferent to
    unaffected.
    • insensible to the suffering around him
  3. adjective satellite barely able to be perceived
    undetectable; indiscernible.
    • the transition was almost indiscernible
    • an almost insensible change
  4. adjective satellite unresponsive to stimulation
    senseless.
    • he lay insensible where he had fallen
    • drugged and senseless

WordNet

In*sen"si*ble adjective
Etymology
L. insensibilis: cf. F. insensible. See In- not, and Sensible.
Definitions
  1. Destitute of the power of feeling or perceiving; wanting bodily sensibility. Milton.
  2. Not susceptible of emotion or passion; void of feeling; apathetic; unconcerned; indifferent; as, insensible to danger, fear, love, etc.; -- often used with of or to.
    Accept an obligation without being a slave to the giver, or insensible to his kindness. Sir H. Wotton.
    Lost in their loves, insensible of shame. Dryden.
  3. Incapable of being perceived by the senses; imperceptible. Hence: Progressing by imperceptible degrees; slow; gradual; as, insensible motion.
    Two small and almost insensible pricks were found upon Cleopatra's arm. Sir T. Browne.
    They fall away, And languish with insensible decay. Dryden.
  4. Not sensible or reasonable; meaningless. Obs.
    If it make the indictment be insensible or uncertain, it shall be quashed. Sir M. Hale.
    Syn. -- Imperceptible; imperceivable; dull; stupid; torpid; numb; unfeeling; apathetic; stoical; impassive; indifferent; unsusceptible; hard; callous.

Webster 1913