deaf-mute
[def-myoot]Offensive.
- unable to hear and speak.
Show More
- a person who is unable to hear and speak, especially one in whom inability to speak is due to congenital or early deafness.
Show More
Origin of deaf-mute
1830–40; translation of French sourd-muet
Usage note
See dumb.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for deaf-mute
Contemporary Examples
When I auditioned for my high school musical, Carnival, they cast me as a deaf-mute.
Historical Examples
By this plan Maine is said to have been without a deaf-mute pauper in ten years.
The DeafHarry Best
In all cases it was the deaf-mute from birth who suffered most.
The DeafHarry Best
The deaf-mute and the blind are deprived of normal avenues to communication.
Introduction to the Science of SociologyRobert E. Park
A thought flashed through Hugh's mind,—the man might be a deaf-mute.
Fernley HouseLaura E. Richards
He is as silent as a deaf-mute and I have no doubt is the soul of discretion.
Passing ByMaurice Baring
deaf-mute
- a person who is unable to hear or speakSee also mute 1 (def. 7), mutism (def. 2b)
Show More
- unable to hear or speak
Show More
Word Origin
C19: translation of French sourd-muet
usage
Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided.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
deaf-mute
(dĕf′myōōt′)- A person who can neither hear nor speak. No longer in technical use.
Show More
- Unable to speak or hear.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.