deafen

views updated May 18 2018

deaf·en / ˈdefən/ • v. [tr.] (usu. be deafened) cause (someone) to lose the power of hearing permanently or temporarily. ∎  (of a loud noise) overwhelm (someone) with sound. ∎  (deafen someone to) (of a sound) cause someone to be unaware of (other sounds).

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