deaf-and-dumb
[ def-uhn-duhm ]
/ ˈdɛf ənˈdʌm /
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adjective Offensive.
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Origin of deaf-and-dumb
1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb
usage note for deaf-and-dumb
See dumb.
Words nearby deaf-and-dumb
deadwork, dead zone, deaerate, deaf, deaf aid, deaf-and-dumb, deaf as a post, deaf-blind, deafen, deafening, deafferentation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for deaf-and-dumb
deaf-and-dumb
/ offensive /
adjective
unable to hear or speak
noun
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Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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
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