Deaf

/dɛf/ · adjective

Meaning

Unable (or partially able) to hear..

Definitions by Sense

1. Unable (or partially able) to hear.
2. Unwilling to listen or be persuaded; determinedly inattentive.
3. Of or relating to the community of deaf people.
4. (obsolete) Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened.
5. (obsolete, UK, dialect) Decayed; tasteless; useless.
6. (nonstandard, rare) A deaf person.
7. (obsolete, transitive) To deafen.

Example Sentences

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

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

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

Deaf vvith the noyſe I took my haſty flight.

Those people are deaf to reason.

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

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.

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.

Synonyms for deaf

Antonyms for deaf

Related Words

Word Forms

• deafer
• deafest
• deafs
• deafing
• deafed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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