deadening

[ ded-n-ing ]

noun

1. a device or material employed to deaden or render dull.
2. a device or material preventing the transmission of sound.
3. a woodland in which the trees are killed by girdling prior to being cleared.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadening¹

First recorded in 1775–85; deaden + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

And the shine from his latest gold medal hasn’t come close to deadening.

From Los Angeles Times

But it also has a deadening clockwork quality.

From Los Angeles Times

It was deadening to the production, and baffling for anyone who has admired Shannon’s and Sparks’s work separately or together, onstage or onscreen; I, for one, treasure the memory of them in Craig Wright’s “Lady” Off Broadway 15 years ago.

From New York Times

For those who consider themselves religious, it must be emotionally deadening to speak of Christian and family values and still support a twice-impeached, multiply-indicted fraudster who was also recently found liable for sexual assault and who regularly encourages violence against those who oppose him.

From Salon

Harris pulls no punches as he delves into the exacting labor of affirming and embracing the diverse needs and experiences of his students against rising tides of intolerance, deadening standardization and the profound disruptions caused by COVID, making this the perfect back-to-school listen for teachers, and their fans and supporters.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• calming