deaden

dead·en

verb \ˈde-d^ən\

dead·eneddead·en·ing \ˈded-niŋ, ˈde-d^ən-iŋ\

Definition of DEADEN

transitive verb

1

: to impair in vigor or sensation : blunt <deadened his enthusiasm> <deadened the pain>

2

a : to deprive of brilliance

b : to make vapid or spiritless <oxygen deadens wine>

c : to make (as a wall) impervious to sound

3

: to deprive of life : kill

intransitive verb

: to become dead : lose life or vigor

— dead·en·er \ˈded-nər, -d^ən-ər\ noun

— dead·en·ing·ly \-niŋ-lē, -d^ən-iŋ-\ adverb

Examples of DEADEN

1. He took aspirin to deaden the pain.
2. The new insulation will help to deaden the noise from the street outside.

First Known Use of DEADEN

1613

Related to DEADEN

Synonyms

castrate, damp, dampen, dehydrate, desiccate, devitalize, enervate, geld, lobotomize, petrify

Antonyms

brace, energize, enliven, invigorate, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify

Related Words

burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enfeeble, exhaust, fatigue, sap, tucker (out), undermine, weaken, wear, wear out; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Near Antonyms

arouse, rouse, stir; charge, electrify, galvanize; excite, ferment, fire, foment, incite, inflame (also enflame), instigate, kindle, provoke, spark, trigger, whip (up); abet, boost, buoy, cheer, embolden, fortify, hearten, inspire, lift; reactivate, reanimate, reawake, reawaken, recharge, reenergize, refresh, regenerate, rejuvenate, rekindle, renew, resurrect, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

Rhymes with DEADEN

leaden, redden, steading