deafen

Definition

To make deaf, either temporarily or permanently.

Etymology

From deaf + -en (verbal suffix), compare Middle English deven, deaven (“to make deaf”), Old English ādēafian (“to deafen”), Dutch verdoven (“to stupefy, deafen”), German betäuben (“to stun, stupefy, deafen”).

Example Sentences

• "The head injury deafened her for life."
• "to deafen a wall or a floor"
• "Racine left the ground […] deafened, dazzled and tired to death."