deaf

Definition

Unable (or partially able) to hear.

Etymology

From Middle English def, deef, from Old English dēaf, from Proto-West Germanic *daub, from Proto-Germanic *daubaz, from Proto-Indo-European *dʰewbʰ- (“to whisk, smoke, darken, obscure”). Cognate with Ancient Greek τυφλός (tuphlós, “blind”). See also dumb. Doublet of daff, dof, and dowf.

Example Sentences

• "My brother has been deaf since sustaining injuries in the war."
• "It's important for TV shows to provide closed captioning for the deaf."
• "Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf."