deafening

[ def-uh-ning ]

/ ˈdɛf ə nɪŋ /

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noun

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Which of the following words means “to make a crackling sound; crackle”?

crisp

crepitate

fuscous

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Origin of deafening

First recorded in 1590–1600; deafen + -ing¹

OTHER WORDS FROM deafening

half-deaf·en·ing, adjectivenon·deaf·en·ing, adjectivenon·deaf·en·ing·ly, adverbqua·si-deaf·en·ing, adjective

Words nearby deafening

deaf aid, deaf-and-dumb, deaf as a post, deaf-blind, deafen, deafening, deafferentation, deaf-mute, deafmutism, deafness, deaf without speech

How to use deafening in a sentence

Close your eyes and listen carefully to the deafening sound of the furious water crashing into rock, much like the screams of people past, at least according to one terrifying legend.
The Most Stunning Places on the Globe|Josefina Salomon|August 8, 2021|Ozy
To woo females, male cicadas emit an ear-splitting mating call—muscle contractions cause their tymbal organ to vibrate, and their hollow abdomen amplifies the sound to deafening levels.
An Animated Guide to This Year's Massive Brood X Cicada Emergence|Rebecca Katzman|May 12, 2021|Time
It also pledged to review the “Arrowhead Chop” that accompanies the deafening war chant that echoes through the stands of the notoriously loud venue.
‘End racism,’ the NFL implored. So what about that Chiefs’ name?|Liz Clarke|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
If you’ve been going to sleep recently to the deafening roar of fireworks, you’re not alone.
Fireworks Usage Is Exploding. But July 4th Silence Awaits|Andrew R. Chow|June 19, 2020|Time

They know they will face either a swift backlash or deafening silence.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Internet chatter rose to a deafening roar as speculation began about what—plastic surgery?
Butts, Brawls, and Bill Cosby: The Biggest Celebrity Scandals of 2014 |Kevin Fallon|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Any upcoming release of a new Apple product guarantees a deafening cacophony of idle speculation from tech sites.
Amateur Stuntmen, the iPhone 6, and More Viral Videos|Jack Holmes|August 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He joked about the deafening noise levels in the old C-130 transport planes and sex at his age, then approaching 60.
When I Met Robin Williams in Afghanistan|Matthew Kaminski|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then a deafening cheer, as 50,000 people realized at once we had just experienced a major earthquake.
San Fran Kisses Its 70,000-Person Toilet Goodbye|Jon Rochmis|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead of the quiet, silent scholars, you would hear a loud and deafening buzz.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
The Koreans call this noise kang-siong, and it seems almost deafening to one unused to it.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
And then the Monitor's deafening hammer sounded again, and after that, silence.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
The creature kept up a deafening squealing, while out of the bush rushed Dandy, the farmers dog.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison
A deafening crash of thunder fell upon the forest and the lightning was striking trees far and near.
Kari the Elephant|Dhan Gopal Mukerji

British Dictionary definitions for deafening

deafening

/ (ˈdɛfənɪŋ) /

adjective

excessively louddeafening music

Derived forms of deafening

deafeningly, adverb

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

deafening

Origin of deafening

OTHER WORDS FROM deafening

Words nearby deafening

Words related to deafening

How to use deafening in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for deafening

Derived forms of deafening