Deaf

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dÉ›f/
• Rhymes: -É›f
• Homophones: Deaf, def

Origin

From Old English dēaf, from Proto-Germanic *daubaz.

Full definition of deaf

Adjective

1. Unable to hear, or only partially able to hear.
• ShakespeareCome on my right hand, for this ear is deaf.
• DrydenDeaf with the noise, I took my hasty flight.
2. Unwilling to listen or be persuaded; determinedly inattentive; regardless.Those people are deaf to reason.
• ShakespeareO, that men's ears should be
  To counsel deaf, but not to flattery!
3. Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened.
• DrydenA deaf murmur through the squadron went.
4. (obsolete, UK, dialect) Decayed; tasteless; dead.a deaf nut; deaf corn
• HollandIf the season be unkindly and intemperate, they peppers will catch a blast; and then the seeds will be deaf, void, light, and naught.

Synonyms

• hard of hearing
• hearing-impaired

Derived terms

• turn a deaf ear
• stone deaf
• fall on deaf ears

Noun