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Deadening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deadening

[ˈdɛdənɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Deadening refers to the process of causing something to lose its vitality, spirit, or sensitivity. It can describe feelings, emotions, or sounds that become dull or lifeless over time.

Synonyms

dulling, numbing, stupefying.

Examples of usage

  • The constant criticism had a deadening effect on her creativity.
  • The noise of the factory was a deadening backdrop to the conversation.
  • Some movies can be deadening to the audience with their slow pace.
Context #2 | Verb

suppressing feelings

To deaden means to make something less intense or to suppress feelings. It involves reducing the effect or impact of an emotion, sensation, or sound.

Synonyms

alleviate, soften, suppress.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to deaden his pain with medication.
  • They seek to deaden their worries through distraction.
  • The artist's heavy use of dark colors can deaden the overall mood of the piece.

Translations

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

Origin of 'deadening'

The word 'deadening' originates from the verb 'deaden,' which is a combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning to reverse or remove, and 'dead,' which refers to the state of being without life or energy. The term began to be used in the late 15th century and has evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries to describe not only the physical sensation of loss of energy but also emotional and psychological states. In contemporary usage, it frequently refers to not just the act of making something dead, but also the pervasive sense of loss of vitality in various aspects of life. Its application spans from literature to psychology, addressing themes of numbness and suppression in human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,830, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.