deafen
to make deaf: The accident deafened him for life.
to stun or overwhelm with noise: The pounding of the machines deafened us.
Obsolete. to render (a sound) inaudible, especially by a louder sound.
Origin of deafen
1Other words from deafen
- deaf·en·ing·ly, adverb
- half-deafened, adjective
- non·deaf·ened, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use deafen in a sentence
A clamor of the senses, a roar that deafens us to the music of life.
Quin | Alice Hegan RiceHis ear is deficient in the sense of harmony, and he deafens and disgusts you by harping on one string.
Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 451 | VariousBut such applause, though it deafens the ears, does not last on in the hearts of men.
Great Ralegh | Hugh De SelincourtThe air is blackened with rifle smoke; the roar of cannonry deafens us.
Prize Orations of the Intercollegiate Peace Association | Intercollegiate Peace AssociationIts voice—so dear, yet so dreaded—grows louder, till it deafens me to all other sounds.
The History of Sir Richard Calmady | Lucas Malet
British Dictionary definitions for deafen
/ (ˈdɛfən) /
(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
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