deafening

[ def-uh-ning ]

adjective

1. overwhelmingly loud; booming; earsplitting: the deafening sound of a chainsaw.

   the crowd’s deafening roar;

   the deafening sound of a chainsaw.

noun

1. deadening ( def 2 ).

deafening

/ ˈdɛfənɪŋ /

adjective

1. excessively loud

   deafening music

Derived Forms

• ˈdeafeningly, adverb

Other Words From

• half-deaf·en·ing adjective
• non·deaf·en·ing adjective
• non·deaf·en·ing·ly adverb
• qua·si-deaf·en·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deafening¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; deafen + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The sequential nature of the explosions meant the "bang" wasn't a deafening clap, but the shock wave that hit moments after penetrated deep into chests.

From BBC

“My children and my brothers! You have to stand with me,” she cried on Tuesday afternoon, her voice cutting through the deafening roar of the crowd.

From BBC

For a strange hour, one could digest Sunday brunch, laugh, cry, reflect, bop along to the music, quietly listen or let it all out in a deafening collective primal scream.

From Los Angeles Times

Flames shoot out of the rocket launcher lighting up the Gobi Desert, which is then filled with a deafening roar.

From BBC

But Timur’s live performance added another otherworldly level of exaltation for which neither film nor deafening amplification can enhance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blaring
• noisy
• ringing
• roaring
• rowdy
• thunderous
• vociferous