deafen — to make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdefən/
Example Sentences
- My neighbor's karaoke sessions could deafen a whale!
- The construction work next door threatens to deafen the entire neighborhood.
- Rock concerts can deafen you if you don't wear ear protection.
deafen
VERB[/ˈdefən/]
to make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently
Loud noise making ears unable to hear
Seven bells deafen all who seek heaven!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'deafen' originates from Middle English 'deaf', meaning deaf or hard of hearing, with the verbal suffix '-en' attached to form a causative verb. This construction follows the common Middle English pattern of creating verbs that mean 'to make or cause to be' in the state denoted by the adjective.
Breakdown
deaf (unable to hear) + -en (causative suffix meaning 'to make or cause to be'). The suffix transforms the adjective into a verb meaning 'to make deaf' or 'to deprive of hearing'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My neighbor's karaoke sessions could deafen a whale!”
“The construction work next door threatens to deafen the entire neighborhood.”
“Rock concerts can deafen you if you don't wear ear protection.”
“The teacher's whistle could deafen students three classrooms away.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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