deaden
verb (used with object)
to make less sensitive, active, energetic, or forcible; weaken.
had deadened
-
past perfectof deaden.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The cold had deadened his limbs to sticks of bone and flesh, working without feeling to keep his head above the surface.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
His senses, which he had deadened during his ardent Samana years, were again awakened.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
The soft carpet had deadened the sound of my steps, and I entered the snug little room unperceived.
From A Sister's Love A Novel by W. Heimburg
The fatigue which at first had deadened her nerves now woke them to acuter sensibility, and an appealing word from her husband would have drawn her to his arms.
From The Fruit of the Tree by Alonzo Kimball
But at the first moment he felt neither rage, anger, nor despair; bodily pain had deadened all other feelings, and left but one wish,—the wish to save himself quickly.
From Pan Michael An Historical Novel of Poland, the Ukraine, and Turkey. by Henryk Sienkiewicz
