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Deafening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deafening

[ˈdef.ənɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

loud noise

Extremely loud and overpowering noise, causing temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Synonyms

cacophonous, ear-splitting, thunderous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deafening

Used to describe a very loud noise that overwhelms the senses, often causing temporary hearing loss or discomfort.

  • The crowd's cheer was deafening when their team scored the winning goal
  • The silence after the explosion was as deafening as the noise itself
ear-splitting

Used to highlight a sound that is excessively loud and painful to the ears, often causing immediate discomfort.

  • The fire alarm went off with an ear-splitting noise, causing everyone to cover their ears
  • The singer hit an ear-splitting high note that startled the audience
thunderous

Used to describe a loud, booming sound that resembles thunder, often used metaphorically to describe applause or strong vocal reactions.

  • The player's goal was met with thunderous applause from the fans
  • His thunderous voice echoed through the hall, capturing everyone's attention
cacophonous

Used to describe harsh, jarring, and discordant sounds that create a chaotic auditory experience. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The city's cacophonous streets were filled with honking cars and shouting vendors
  • The band's music was so cacophonous that many people left the concert early

Examples of usage

  • The deafening sound of the explosion left everyone stunned.
  • The deafening roar of the crowd filled the stadium.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sounds above 85 decibels can start to cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure, and 'deafening' typically refers to sounds at this level or higher.
  • The human ear can detect sounds in a wide range, but sounds over 120 decibels can cause immediate harm.

Pop Culture

  • 'Deafening' sounds are often highlighted in music and films to create tension or excitement, such as explosions or thunder.
  • Famous songs that have been described as 'deafening' due to their loud volume include rock anthems and heavy metal tracks, which often emphasize high energy.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'deafening' to create vivid imagery, illustrating chaotic scenes filled with overwhelming noise.
  • In poetry, it can symbolize the emotional impact of silence versus noise, exploring themes of isolation and chaos.

Psychology

  • Loud noises trigger a stress response in humans, which can affect our mood and mental health – leading to terms like 'deafening silence' to describe uncomfortable quietness.
  • The term can also evoke feelings of anxiety or distress when associated with traumatic events or overwhelming experiences.

Origin of 'deafening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'deafian', meaning to become deaf or to make deaf.
  • The suffix '-ening' suggests causing or creating a state, emphasizing the action of sounding unbearably loud.

The word 'deafening' originated from the verb 'deafen,' which comes from Middle English 'defnen,' meaning to make someone deaf. The suffix '-ing' is added to form the adjective 'deafening,' which describes something that is so loud it can cause deafness or extreme discomfort.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,331, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.