deaden
verb (used with object)
to make less sensitive, active, energetic, or forcible; weaken.
was deadening
-
past progressiveof deaden.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
He had fainted for the first time in his strong life, and so that blessed unconsciousness was deadening the first insupportable agony of his dreadful wound.
From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by E. Rameur
What, after all, were those thousands who wended their way every morning to the great beehives of Uncle Sam but slaves chained to an occupation which was deadening?
From Contrary Mary by Temple Bailey
Garry heard the coming of the masses from above; the crashing din was deadening to his ears.
From Astounding Stories, March, 1931 by Various
She recalled Ann's fierce words prophesying some mysterious calamity which was to overtake her, and placed them beside the words she had just had hurled at her, and their combined effect was deadening.
From Ann Boyd by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben
He did not turn to face them until the footman's cockade had disappeared finally behind the tall hedge, and the tramp of the horses' feet was deadening itself in the lane.
From Emily Fox-Seton Being "The Making of a Marchioness" and "The Methods of Lady Walderhurst" by C. D. (Charles D.) Williams
