deaf

deaf

adj \ˈdef, dialect ˈdēf\

Definition of DEAF

1

: lacking or deficient in the sense of hearing

2

: unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded <was overwrought and deaf to reason>

— deaf·ish \ˈde-fish\ adjective

— deaf·ly adverb

— deaf·ness noun

Examples of DEAF

1. He has been deaf since birth.
2. She's completely deaf in her right ear.
3. He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up.

Origin of DEAF

Middle English deef, from Old English dēaf; akin to Greek typhlos blind, typhein to smoke, Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with DEAF

chef, clef, ef, f, kef, lev, ref, teff