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deafen

[def-uhn] / ˈdɛf ən /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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“The desire to deafen and respond with noise reflects a kind of discredit of the political discourse,” Christian Salmon, a French essayist and columnist for the online publication Slate, said in an interview.

From New York Times May 22, 2023

Jamming “can blind and deafen an aircraft very quickly and very dangerously, especially if you lose GPS and radar and you’re a jet flying at 600 miles an hour.”

From Seattle Times Jun. 3, 2022

“Sirens deafen / Everything’s on fire in heaven, heaven,” she sings in what sounds like a moody lullaby.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 17, 2022

Opposing sides defecate piles of paperwork at one another, seemingly hoping to discourage or deafen the opponent.

From Golf Digest Dec. 6, 2018

Then he leaned over and put a hand beside his mouth, as if he did not wish to be overheard, an effect slightly lessened by his whisper, which was loud enough to deafen.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

To recognize that the paralysis of suffering deafens us to our own emotions.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 8, 2023

But indiscriminately blocking or hiding the voices of those you don’t agree with does not silence them; it only deafens you.

From Slate Nov. 17, 2016

Another competition of this mould - regardless of how it is packaged - would surely just add to the white noise that already deafens fans of football’s most saturated market.

From The Guardian Sep. 13, 2015

A seaport, South Street or otherwise, isn’t the right place to experience Dinosaur Jr.—the band is best enjoyed in a dark, enclosed room, where you can adore it viscerally, as it deafens you.

From The New Yorker Jul. 14, 2014

Dewey’s ears ring with it—a ringing that almost deafens him to the whispery rush of Smith’s soft voice.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Mohammad Wali said he was listening to a speaker address the crowd when the huge explosion temporarily deafened him.

From Washington Times Jul. 30, 2023

The telescope is among the most sensitive in the world at these low frequencies, but it could soon be deafened by signals emanating from a mundane source: electric trains.

From Science Magazine Mar. 7, 2023

Even under his noise-canceling headset, Baseer said, the blast deafened him.

From Salon Dec. 15, 2022

But Ms Clair criticised them over their stance, saying: "Their silence deafened me."

From BBC Feb. 6, 2022

There we shall see all and hear all if we are not deafened by the bells.”

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

The noise coming from the stands was deafening — “like nothing else that you would ever hear,” Guardabascio said.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 23, 2026

But the pine trees lining Krystal Polk's home, in her family for generations, don't protect her from the data center's deafening drone, which sounds like a jet that never takes off.

From Barron's Aug. 11, 2026

Roxanne Brown’s journey to leading the United Steelworkers union didn’t start in the heat and deafening noise of a steel mill.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 31, 2026

The music and cheers blur into a low hum, drowned out by the deafening sound of a ticking clock only Jack can hear.

From Salon Jul. 4, 2026

He races from the blaze of brightness and the deafening racket.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell




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