deaf-and-dumb

[ def-uhn-duhm ]

adjectiveOffensive.

Origin of deaf-and-dumb

1
1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb

usage note For deaf-and-dumb

See dumb.

Words Nearby deaf-and-dumb

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How to use deaf-and-dumb in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for deaf-and-dumb

deaf-and-dumb

/ offensive /


adjective
  1. unable to hear or speak

noun
  1. a deaf person without speech

usage For deaf-and-dumb

Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012