Deaden: meaning, definitions and examples

Duplicate entry, please refer to the previous 'deaden' context.

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.

• Rain can dampen outdoor events, making them less enjoyable.
• Her negative comments dampened the enthusiasm of the team.

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.

• He used the remote to mute the TV during the commercials.
• Her calm demeanor helped to mute the tension in the room.

Used to describe making something less hard or less severe. Can refer to both physical softness and metaphorical gentleness.

• Adding fabric softener can soften your clothes.
• He tried to soften the criticism by offering constructive suggestions.

This appears to be a duplicate. Refer to the first entry for usage and examples.

Used to describe the absence of physical sensation or emotional response. Often has a negative connotation, implying a loss or lacking sensitivity.

• The cold wind made her fingers numb.
• After hearing the bad news, he felt completely numb.

Usually used to describe something that lacks sharpness, brightness, or interest. Can be applied to physical sensations, colors, sounds, or intellectual stimuli.

• The knife was too dull to cut through the bread.
• The lecture was so dull that half the class fell asleep.

Often used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. Can be used in various contexts including emotional, physical, and abstract.

• The brightness of the lights began to diminish as the sun rose.
• Her achievements should not diminish the efforts of her team.