Main Entry: deaf

Pronunciation: \ˈdef, dial ˈdēf\

Function: adjective

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

Date: before 12th century

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