deafen

American  

[def-uhn] / ˈdɛf ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to make deaf.

   The accident deafened him for life.

2. to stun or overwhelm with noise.

   The pounding of the machines deafened us.

3. deaden.

4. Obsolete. to render (a sound) inaudible, especially by a louder sound.

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deafen British  

/ ˈdɛfən /

verb

1. (tr) to make deaf, esp momentarily, as by a loud noise

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Other Word Forms

• deafeningly adverb
• half-deafened adjective
• nondeafened adjective

Etymology

Origin of deafen

First recorded in 1590–1600; deaf + -en ¹

Example Sentences

I’m pretty sure I deafened the poor woman who called with my scream of yes, and then when I told Zara, she deafened me.

From Literature

The Afterlife’s deafening silence was filled by the creak and sigh of the woods.

From Literature

"It was still anybody's game and the noise was deafening," said Banks.

From BBC

The incessant sales pitches are buffeted by the usual deafening pounding music, which makes Vin Scully Avenue seem like Las Vegas Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times

She was hard of hearing in one ear, no doubt deafened by her own screaming.

From Literature