definitions

deafening

[ def-uh-ning ]
/ ˈdɛf ə nɪŋ /
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noun

deadening(def 2).

Nearby words

deaf-and-dumb, deaf-blind, deaf-mute, deafblind, deafen, deafening, deafeningly, deafferentation, deafmutism, deafness, deak

Origin of deafening

First recorded in 1590–1600; deafen + -ing1

Related forms

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

Definition for deafening (2 of 2)

deafen

[ def-uh n ]
/ ˈdɛf ən /

verb (used with object)

to make deaf: The accident deafened him for life.
to stun or overwhelm with noise: The pounding of the machines deafened us.
deaden(def 3).
Obsolete. to render (a sound) inaudible, especially by a louder sound.

Origin of deafen

First recorded in 1590–1600; deaf + -en1

Related forms

deaf·en·ing·ly, adverbhalf-deaf·ened, adjectivenon·deaf·ened, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for deafening

British Dictionary definitions for deafening (1 of 2)

deafening

/ (ˈdɛfənɪŋ) /

adjective

excessively louddeafening music

Derived Forms

deafeningly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for deafening (2 of 2)

deafen

/ (ˈdɛfən) /

verb

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

Medicine definitions for deafening

deafen

[ dĕf′ən ]

v.

To make deaf, especially momentarily by a loud noise.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.