Definition

An object or substance that reduces or eliminates sound, vibration, or other effects.

Example

The contractor installed a deadener in the walls to minimize noise from the street.

Conversation

I heard they use a special deadener in that new soundproofing material.

Really? I didn't know there was such a thing.

Yeah, it helps reduce noise significantly.

That sounds useful, especially for loud neighbors!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deadener → It is formed from "dead" (from Old English "dead", meaning no longer alive) and "-er" (meaning a person or thing that performs a specified action). The word "deadener" refers to something that causes something else to become dead or less lively.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes things 'no longer alive' ('dead') — the '-er' indicates it is a person or thing that performs that action.

Visually Confused Words