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Deafen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deafen

[ˈdɛfən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

making sound

To deafen means to make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently. This can occur due to exposure to extremely loud noises or certain medical conditions. The act of deafening can also refer to overwhelming someone with sound, making it impossible for them to hear anything else. It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is bombarded with information or noise. In addition to its literal meaning, to deafen can also imply a strong emotional impact, as in being 'deafened' by criticism or support.

Synonyms

dull, overwhelm, silence, stun.

Examples of usage

  • The explosion was loud enough to deafen anyone nearby.
  • His yelling was so intense it seemed to deafen all other sounds.
  • The concert was so loud that it nearly deafened the audience.
  • She was deafened by the noise of the crowd.
  • The siren's wail can deafen those who are too close.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Long-term exposure to very loud noises can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear responsible for hearing.
  • Sounds above 85 decibels, like heavy traffic or loud music, can lead to hearing loss if one is exposed for extended periods.

Psychology

  • Loud sounds can trigger the fight-or-flight response, leading to stress and anxiety, which might cause a person to feel overwhelmed.
  • Some people become more sensitive to sounds after experiencing temporary deafness, developing a condition known as hyperacusis.

Pop Culture

  • The use of loud music in films often aims to amplify emotional scenes but can metaphorically 'deafen' the viewer to quieter moments.
  • Ironically, bands and musicians sometimes promote loud concerts as an experience that 'deafens' fans in the joy of music.

Literature

  • Authors have used the concept of deafness in their works to symbolize isolation or communication barriers between characters.
  • In poetry, the idea of being 'deafened' by love or passion is often utilized to express overwhelming emotions.

Origin of 'deafen'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'defnen', which is related to the term 'deaf', meaning unable to hear.
  • It has roots in Old English 'deaf', which also referred to being unable to hear, showing the long history of the term.

The word 'deafen' originates from the Middle English term 'defenen', which is a variation of the Old English 'defian', meaning 'to make deaf'. This Old English term itself is connected to the Proto-Germanic 'dahwō', which means 'to be deaf' and shares roots with words in other Germanic languages. The term has evolved over centuries, and by the 14th century, it came to represent not just the state of being unable to hear but also the action of causing that state in others. Initially, the usage was more literal, but over time it expanded to include metaphorical interpretations related to overwhelming sensations or emotions. The notion of auditory impacts has remained central to the definition, making 'deafen' a versatile term in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,168, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.