English Explanatory Dictionary

deafen

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make deaf, either temporarily or permanently.
  2. To make soundproof.
  3. To stun, as with noise.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛfən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-deafen.wav

Word forms

deafen deafens deafening deafened

Etymology

From deaf + -en (verbal suffix), compare Middle English deven, deaven (“to make deaf”), Old English ādēafian (“to deafen”), Dutch verdoven (“to stupefy, deafen”), German betäuben (“to stun, stupefy, deafen”).

Derived words

bedeafen deafener undeafen undeafened
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