deafen

Everyday

1. To make so much noise that people cannot hear anything else, or can hardly hear for a while: «The music deafened us». tree →
2. To damage someone's hearing or make them deaf: «The explosion deafened him in one ear». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on sound, very loud noises (measured in decibels) can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear; ear defenders and earplugs protect hearing at concerts, fireworks and in noisy jobs. In stories, «deafening» noise and «deafening silence» add drama. Phrases: «a deafening roar», «deafening noise», «a deafening silence» (a silence that is very noticeable, often after something awkward).

Examples

• The cheers of the crowd deafened us. tree →
• The fireworks were so loud they nearly deafened the dog. tree →
• Wear ear defenders so the drills don't deafen you. tree →
• The explosion deafened him in one ear. tree →
• There was a deafening roar as the rocket took off. tree →
• When the teacher asked who broke the window, there was a deafening silence. tree →
• He next hastened to the aviary, and was almost deafened by the clamour that rose as he shut the door behind him. tree →

Note

Said «DEF-un» (the «deaf» part rhymes with «chef»). The adjective «deafening» (very loud) is used more than the verb. Respectful language: «deaf» is a normal word, and many Deaf people use sign language (BSL in the UK, ASL in the USA and Canada, Auslan in Australia).