deafen

verb

deaf·​en ˈde-fən 

deafened; deafening ˈde-fə-niŋ 

ˈdef-niŋ

; deafens

transitive verb

: to make permanently or temporarily deaf

was deafened by the explosion

Examples of deafen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the Chiefs facing third-and-5 in their own territory, down 19-17 amid deafening noise, Patrick Mahomes launched a ball deep down the field to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. — Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026

Thompson scored a goal and an assist in Vancouver’s first-ever game, which was played in front of a deafening crowd of 14,958 at Pacific Coliseum — the only venue in the league where a women’s pro hockey team is the primary tenant. — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Disruptions to those communications, from a deafening crowd, technical glitch or presidential security measure, can present problems for coaches and teams. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

By now the crowd was deafening and fans surged forward for a better view. — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

deafen

verb

deaf·​en ˈdef-ən 

deafened; deafening -(ə-)niŋ 

: to make deaf

deafeningly

-(ə-)niŋ-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

deafen

verb

deaf·​en ˈdef-ən 

deafened; deafening -(ə-)niŋ 

transitive verb

: to make permanently or temporarily deaf