deaf-mute

[ def-myoot ]

adjective

1. unable to hear and speak.

noun

1. a person who is unable to hear and speak, especially one in whom inability to speak is due to congenital or early deafness.

deaf-mute

noun

1. a person who is unable to hear or speak See also mute 1 mutism

adjective

1. unable to hear or speak

Usage

Using this word to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts

Sensitive Note

See dumb.

Derived Forms

• ˈdeaf-ˌmuteness, noun

Other Words From

• deaf-muteness deaf-mutism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deaf-mute¹

First recorded in 1830–40; translation of French sourd-muet

Word History and Origins

Origin of deaf-mute¹

C19: translation of French sourd-muet