deafen

verb

deaf·​en ˈde-fən How to pronounce deafen (audio)
deafened; deafening ˈde-fə-niŋ How to pronounce deafen (audio)
ˈdef-niŋ
; deafens

transitive verb

: to make permanently or temporarily deaf
was deafened by the explosion

Examples of deafen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The deafening clang of machinery fades into the background, replaced by the dull ache of a throbbing injury. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024 Buzzing calls for mates Male cicadas are known for their deafening mating call, which in 2021 was reported to reach as high as 90 to 100 decibels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Solcyré Burga, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024 Claims of interrogations, killings and torture Footage emerged earlier this week showing piles of debris and plumes of smoke filling the area around Al-Shifa, as families ran in terror after a deafening missile strike near the hospital. Abeer Salman, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 That should be no different at WrestleMania 40, especially if and when Cena and Austin show up to a deafening reaction that makes Rhodes vs. Reigns truly unforgettable. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Earlier this week, an amphibious vehicle roared onto an Okinawa beach with a deafening sound, its massive propellers whirring furiously. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2024 They can be permanently deafened by this and so that there are potentially long-standing life-altering sequelae or death. Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024 The 49ers ran out first to deafening cheers inside the stadium, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs' entry. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 For example, artificial lights can disorient insects or migrating birds, and the din of cars, planes and ships can deafen aquatic creatures and interfere with animals’ reproduction. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deafen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deafen was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near deafen

Cite this Entry

“Deafen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deafen. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

deafen

verb
deaf·​en ˈdef-ən How to pronounce deafen (audio)
deafened; deafening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce deafen (audio)
: to make deaf
deafeningly
-(ə-)niŋ-lē
adverb

Medical Definition

deafen

verb
deaf·​en ˈdef-ən How to pronounce deafen (audio)
deafened; deafening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce deafen (audio)

transitive verb

: to make permanently or temporarily deaf

More from Merriam-Webster on deafen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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