deafen

American  

[def-uhn] / ˈdɛf ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to make deaf.

   The accident deafened him for life.

2. to stun or overwhelm with noise.

   The pounding of the machines deafened us.

3. deaden.

4. Obsolete. to render (a sound) inaudible, especially by a louder sound.

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deafen British  

/ ˈdɛfən /

verb

1. (tr) to make deaf, esp momentarily, as by a loud noise

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Other Word Forms

• deafeningly adverb
• half-deafened adjective
• nondeafened adjective

Etymology

Origin of deafen

First recorded in 1590–1600; deaf + -en ¹

Explanation

To deafen is to make someone permanently or temporarily unable to hear, especially with a very loud noise. If the music at a party deafens you, you'll probably go home early. Things that might deafen you include a fire truck's siren, your brother blowing his trumpet in your ear, or an explosion. You can also use the word in a more figurative way, when something makes you feel overwhelmed by its loudness: "I'm sick of living on this busy road — when the bus goes by, it deafens me!" The earliest verb with this meaning was deaf, which became deafen by the late 16th century.

Example Sentences

Expect a whole lot of yelling, a roiling sea of mosh pits and enough bass to deafen all of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2023

“The desire to deafen and respond with noise reflects a kind of discredit of the political discourse,” said Christian Salmon, a French essayist.

From New York Times • May 23, 2023

Opposing sides defecate piles of paperwork at one another, seemingly hoping to discourage or deafen the opponent.

From Golf Digest • Dec. 6, 2018

The frequencies of sound produced by the corvina fell within a range that could harm the hearing of seals, sea lions and dolphins, or even deafen them, the duo concluded.

From The Guardian • Dec. 19, 2017

Then he leaned over and put a hand beside his mouth, as if he did not wish to be overheard, an effect slightly lessened by his whisper, which was loud enough to deafen.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman