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.

She then delivered a speech that denounced the notion of cultural appropriation and its deadening effects on literature.

From The Wall Street Journal

The flares instantly set fire to the surrounding acoustic foam panels, installed to deaden the sound.

From BBC

The decision still means joy or despair, but the virtual nature of acceptance and rejection, the evidence of no human hand, is a little deadening.

From The Wall Street Journal

If You're Glad I'll Be Frank imagined the speaking clock as a real woman speaking live, her internal monologue utterly at odds with the deadening repetitiveness of endlessly intoning "at the third stroke..."

From BBC

They were trying to return from popular Emerald Bay to their west side home in midafternoon when eight-foot swells swamped the boat, deadening the engine and capsizing the vessel off rocky Rubicon Point near D.L.

From Los Angeles Times

deaden

Example Sentences

Related Words