deafen
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdɛfən/
KK: /ˈdɛfən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently.
Example
The loud explosion could deafen anyone nearby.
Tense Forms
Past: deafened
Past Participle: deafened
Conversation
Did you hear that concert last night?
Yeah, it was so loud, I thought it might actually deafen me!
I know, right? I couldn't believe how powerful the music was.
Totally! I love it when bands really go all out like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stun
daze
overwhelm
Antonyms
hear
listen
perceive
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to lose the ability to hear, often temporarily, usually due to a loud noise.
Example
The explosion was so loud that it could deafen anyone nearby.
Tense Forms
Past: deafened
Past Participle: deafened
Conversation
Did you hear that concert last night?
Yeah, it was so loud that it almost deafened me!
I know, right? I had to cover my ears at some points.
Root Explanation
Deafen is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "fenn" (from Old English "fēon", meaning to make sound). The word describes the act of making someone unable to hear by taking away their ability to hear sounds.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the ability to 'hear' ('fenn') — that's why deafen means to make someone unable to hear.
Visually Confused Words
bedeafen
leafen
defend
deaden
dean