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Deadened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deadened

[หˆdษ›dnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sense, feeling

To deaden something means to make it less sensitive or active. This can involve reducing the intensity of emotional or physical sensations, leading to a diminished response.

Synonyms

dull, mute, reduce, suppress.

Examples of usage

  • The pain medication deadened her discomfort.
  • He felt emotionally deadened after the traumatic event.
  • The thick curtains helped to deaden the sound from outside.
  • She tried to deaden her feelings for him.
Context #2 | Verb

sound, noise

To reduce or eliminate sounds or noises so that they are less perceptible. Deadening sound can help create a quieter environment.

Synonyms

dampen, muffle, silence, soften.

Examples of usage

  • The insulation material will deaden noise between the rooms.
  • He used acoustic panels to deaden the sound in the studio.
  • They installed double-glazed windows to deaden the traffic noise.
  • The carpet helped to deaden the sounds of footsteps.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Deadened emotions can be a response to trauma, where feelings are dulled to cope with pain.
  • Certain psychological conditions, like depression, often leave individuals feeling emotionally 'deadened' as they struggle to connect with their feelings.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, characters may be described as 'deadened' to portray a sense of loss or disengagement from the world.
  • Poets often use the term to evoke images of silence and stillness, contributing to themes of grief and introspection.

Science

  • In acoustics, materials can be said to deaden sound, reducing noise levels by absorbing and diffusing sound waves.
  • Certain medications can produce a 'deadened' response in the nervous system, indicating a reduced sense of sensation or reaction.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, expressing 'deadened' feelings is seen as a sign of strength, as people cope with hardships quietly.
  • In music, a 'deadened' tone can be an artistic choice, creating depth and drama in compositions.

Origin of 'deadened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'dead,' which means no longer alive, plus the suffix '-ened' that indicates a change or process.
  • In Old English, 'deaden' meant to cause to be dead, reflecting how it has evolved into a broader term of reducing intensity.

The word 'deadened' is derived from the Middle English word 'deden', which means to make dead. This itself comes from the Old English 'deaรฐ', meaning death. The prefix 'de-' suggests a reversal or an intensification, while 'dead' denotes a lack of life or vitality. The use of the term in relation to reducing senses or sound likely evolved as a metaphorical extension of its original meaning, where something that is 'dead' lacks energy or responsiveness. Over time, the term has been applied in various fields, including psychology and acoustics, to describe the reduction of sensations or noise levels.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,713, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.