devocalize

[ dee-voh-kuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, Phonetics.

, de·vo·cal·ized, de·vo·cal·iz·ing.

1. devoice ( def ).
2. to convert (a speech sound) from a vowel to a glide.

Other Words From

• de·vocal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devocalize¹

First recorded in 1875–80; de- + vocalize

Example Sentences

The object was to devocalize the dogs so that their howls would not disturb the patients in the other parts of the hospital.

From Literature