Deaden Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deaden
[ˈdɛd(ə)n ]
Definitions
sound
To make something less loud or intense. It can also mean to make something less sensitive or responsive.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deaden |
Duplicate entry, please refer to the previous 'deaden' context. |
| dampen |
Commonly used to describe reducing the intensity of feelings, enthusiasm, or effects. Can refer to both physical wetness and metaphorical diminishment. Often has a slightly negative connotation.
|
| mute |
Primarily used to describe silencing or reducing sound to a minimum. Can also be used metaphorically to describe lessening the impact or intensity of something.
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| soften |
Used to describe making something less hard or less severe. Can refer to both physical softness and metaphorical gentleness.
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Examples of usage
- He used earplugs to deaden the noise of the construction site.
- The medication deadened the pain in his leg.
- The cold weather deadened her sense of touch.
emotion
To make someone feel less strong emotions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deaden |
This appears to be a duplicate. Refer to the first entry for usage and examples. |
| numb |
Used to describe the absence of physical sensation or emotional response. Often has a negative connotation, implying a loss or lacking sensitivity.
|
| dull |
Usually used to describe something that lacks sharpness, brightness, or interest. Can be applied to physical sensations, colors, sounds, or intellectual stimuli.
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| diminish |
Often used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. Can be used in various contexts including emotional, physical, and abstract.
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Examples of usage
- The bad news deadened her spirits.
- The constant rejection deadened his enthusiasm.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Deaden can refer to emotional numbing, a psychological state where someone feels less joy or excitement.
- This concept is often discussed in the context of trauma, where individuals may unconsciously 'deaden' their feelings to cope.
- Therapists might approach emotional deadening by encouraging clients to 'wake up' or engage with their emotions.
Literature
- In literature, character development can involve a 'deadened' state, representing a journey from numbness to feeling.
- Authors may use vivid language to contrast deadened characters with lively ones, highlighting the effects of trauma or loss.
- Poets often explore themes of loss and the desire to revive the 'deadened' aspects of life in their work.
Science
- In terms of acoustics, 'deaden' refers to reducing sound levels, as in soundproofing a room to prevent echoes.
- In medical contexts, to 'deaden' an area usually implies numbing it to reduce pain during procedures.
- Certain materials, like foams or carpets, are designed to 'deaden' unwanted noise in living spaces.
Pop Culture
- The concept of deadening emotions is frequently depicted in films and books focusing on grief or recovery.
- In music, some artists explore themes of deadening experiences, often contrasting it with moments of emotional clarity.
- Popular songs may use the idea of 'deaden' to describe feelings during heartbreak or loss.
Origin of 'deaden'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English term 'deafian', meaning to make deaf or unable to hear.
- Over time, it evolved to include the sense of reducing liveliness or activity, especially in physical sensations.
- In Middle English, it was used to describe the act of making something less alive or vibrant.
The word 'deaden' originated from the combination of 'dead' (meaning without life) and the suffix '-en' (used to form verbs). It first appeared in the 16th century in English.
See also: dead, deadbeat, deadline, deadliness, deadlock, deadly, deadness, deadpan, undead.