deaf

[ def ]

adjective

, deaf·er, deaf·est.

1. partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing; unable to hear.
2. refusing to listen, heed, or be persuaded; unreasonable or unyielding:

   deaf to all advice.

3. Deaf, of or relating to the Deaf or their cultural community:

   Deaf customs and values.

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Deaf persons collectively (usually preceded by the ):

   social services for the Deaf.

2. Usually the Deaf. Deaf persons who identify themselves as members of a community composed of Deaf persons and others who share in their culture.

deaf

/ dɛf /

adjective

1. 1. partially or totally unable to hear
   2. ( as collective noun ; preceded by the ) See also tone-deaf

      the deaf

2. refusing to heed

   deaf to the cries of the hungry

Usage

See elderly

Pronunciation Note

Deaf is usually pronounced [def], with the vowel of left. In uneducated speech the dialectal pronunciation [deef], to rhyme with leaf, is still heard occasionally, but it is increasingly rare.

Derived Forms

• ˈdeafly, adverb
• ˈdeafness, noun

Other Words From

• deaf·ly adverb
• deaf·ness noun
• half-deaf adjective
• non·deaf adjective
• non·deaf·ly adverb
• non·deaf·ness noun
• qua·si-deaf adjective
• qua·si-deaf·ly adverb
• sem·i·deaf adjective
• sem·i·deaf·ness noun
• un·deaf adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deaf¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English deef, Old English dēaf; cognate with Middle Low German dōf, Dutch doof, Old High German toub

Word History and Origins

Origin of deaf¹

Old English dēaf; related to Old Norse daufr

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with deaf , also see fall on deaf ears ; stone deaf ; turn a deaf ear .

Example Sentences

Speaking about her appointment earlier this month, Dame Jasvinder Sanghera said she had been contacted by a former pupil from a school for deaf children.

From BBC

He's right about this, but his words will fall on deaf ears.

From Salon

"There's only so many times you can turn a deaf ear to being called murdering scum," smiles former fox hunt master, Byron John.

From BBC

She was the first deaf woman to become Miss South Africa.

From BBC

The 28-year-old made history as the first-ever deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa in August, following a controversy-hit competition which saw one finalist withdraw after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage.

From BBC

Related Words

• headstrong
• indifferent
• oblivious
• strong-willed