deaden

deaden

verb

Definition of DEADEN

1

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality <an excess of detail deadens much of the mystery novel's suspense>

Synonyms castrate, damp, dampen, deaden, desiccate, devitalize, enervate, geld, lobotomize, petrify

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

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

2

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling <a couple of aspirins deadened the headache>

Synonyms benumb, blunt, cauterize, damp, dampen, deaden, numb

Related Words muffle, mute, tone (down); decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), lower, reduce, subdue; debilitate, enfeeble, weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten; abate, moderate

Near Antonyms amplify, augment, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen; animate, arouse, stimulate

Antonyms sharpen, whet