deaden

[ded-n] / ˈdɛd n /

VERB

diminish, muffle, quiet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desensitize impair

STRONG

abate alleviate anesthetize benumb blunt check chloroform consume cushion damp dampen depress deprive destroy devitalize dim dope drown dull etherize exhaust freeze frustrate gas hush incapacitate injure lessen mute numb paralyze quieten reduce repress retard slow smother soften stifle stun stupefy suppress tire unnerve weaken

WEAK

KO knock out lay out put out of order put to sleep tone down

Antonyms

STRONG

advance aid allow assist brighten build construct encourage enlarge extend facilitate help increase indulge intensify invigorate let go magnify mobilize permit push raise refresh stimulate strengthen uplift

WEAK

animate enliven

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The evening signaled that this is not the type of show that will deaden an artist behind glass vitrines.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Meanwhile, The Concise Oxford Dictionary says to obtund is "to blunt or deaden".

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2024

The biggest is the ball and the size of the stitches, Nathan said, and MLB made slight adjustments to deaden the ball prior to the 2021 season.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023

There is always a narrative risk when recapitulating events in historical fiction — predetermination can deaden the pulse.

From New York Times • Jan. 3, 2023

After bandaging them neatly she had administered a potion that would deaden the pain and induce sleep.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

deaden

Example Sentences

Related Words