deaf — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Unable (or partially able) to hear.

   Examples

   My brother has been deaf since sustaining injuries in the war.

   It's important for TV shows to provide closed captioning for the deaf.

   More examples (2)

   Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf.

   Deaf vvith the noyſe I took my haſty flight.

2. Unwilling to listen or be persuaded; determinedly inattentive.

   Examples

   Those people are deaf to reason.

   O, that men's ears should be / To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!

   More examples (1)

   The curioſity of the lady was highly inflamed, to know the hiſtory of the parrot's tranſmigration, which ſhe intreated the bird with all her eloquence to relate; but he preſented a deaf ear to her importunity, and, like a painted nightingale, remained ſilent.

3. Of or relating to the community of deaf people.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The best place to fight Hollywood deafism is in our deaf schools. If we give our children understanding and appreciation of our rich culture and sign language, the students will gain a deaf heritage and become more creative, more aware, and more assertive global deaf citizens.

4. Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   A deaf murmur through the squadron went.

5. Decayed; tasteless; useless.

   Usage

   • UK usage
   • dialectal
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   a deaf nut; deaf corn

   If the season be unkindly and intemperate, they [peppers] will catch a blast; and then the seeds will be deafe, void, light, and naught.

Noun

1. A deaf person.

   Usage

   • nonstandard
   • Rare

   Examples

   Among the second group of philanthropic educational institutions the institutes for the deafs and dumbs must be mentioned.

   Negotiations for South Vietnam's political future and the enforcement of cease-fire between two sides progressed like a conversation between two deafs.

   More examples (2)

   "I work with the blind mostly. Some deafs too," I told her.

   Two deafs did not always make deaf babies.

Verb

1. To deafen.

   Usage

   • Obsolete
   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   It is enough, my hearing shall be punish'd With what shall happen, -- 'gainst the which there is No deafing -- but to hear, not taint mine eye With dread sights that it may shun.

   Svvift as a VVhirl-vvind to the Nurſe he flyes; / And deafs his ſtormy Subjects vvith his cries.

   More examples (1)

   Shall we, I say, that have been so long civil and wealthy in peace, famous and invincible in war, fortunate in both, we that have been ever able to aid any of our neighbours (but never deafed any of their ears with any of our supplications for assistance) shall we, I say, without blushing, abase ourselves so far, as to imitate these beastly Indians, slaves to the Spaniards, refuse to the world, and as yet aliens from the holy covenant of God?

Adjective

1. lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing wholly or in part

   Antonyms

   hearing

2. (usually followed by ‘to’) unwilling or refusing to pay heed

   Synonyms

   indifferent

   Examples

   deaf to her warnings

Noun

1. people who have severe hearing impairments

   Broader terms

   people

   Examples

   many of the deaf use sign language

Verb

1. make or render deaf

   Synonyms

   deafen

   Broader terms

   desensitizedesensitise

   Examples

   a deafening noise