Lacking awareness of or concern for the feelings and needs of others; showing little responsiveness to physical or emotional stimuli.
From Latin 'in-' meaning not, plus 'sensitivus' from 'sentire' meaning to feel or perceive. The word combines physical and emotional meanings - both the inability to feel physical sensation and the failure to perceive others' emotional states.
The dual meaning reveals how language recognizes the connection between physical and emotional sensitivity - someone who cannot 'feel' physically is metaphorically someone who cannot 'feel' emotionally for others. This linguistic parallel suggests these abilities may be more connected than we typically realize.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.