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definitions

deaf-and-dumb

[ def-uh n-duhm ]
/ ˈdɛf ənˈdʌm /

adjective Offensive.

deaf-mute(def 1).

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Nearby words

  1. deaerate,
  2. deaf,
  3. deaf aid,
  4. deaf as a post,
  5. deaf without speech,
  6. deaf-blind,
  7. deaf-mute,
  8. deafblind,
  9. deafen,
  10. deafening

Origin of deaf-and-dumb

1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb

Usage note

See dumb.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for deaf-and-dumb

deaf-and-dumb

/ offensive /

adjective

unable to hear or speak

noun

a deaf person without speech

usage

Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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