GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 3 definitions
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Deaden , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deadened ; p. pr. & vb. n. Deadening.] [From Dead; cf. AS. d>dan to kill, put to death. See Dead, a.]
- To make as dead; to impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation; to lessen the force or acuteness of; to blunt; as, to deaden the natural powers or feelings; to deaden a sound.1913 Webster
As harper lays his open palm
Upon his harp, to deaden its vibrations.Longfellow.1913 Webster - To lessen the velocity or momentum of; to retard; as, to deaden a ship's headway.1913 Webster
- To make vapid or spiritless; as, to deaden wine.1913 Webster
- To deprive of gloss or brilliancy; to obscure; as, to deaden gilding by a coat of size.1913 Webster
- To render impervious to sound, as a wall or floor; to deafen.Webster 1913 Suppl.
- To make as dead; to impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation; to lessen the force or acuteness of; to blunt; as, to deaden the natural powers or feelings; to deaden a sound.
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deadening adj. [p. pr. of verb deaden{3}.] Rendering less lively, intense, or vigorous; as, the deadening effect of some routine tasks.WordNet 1.5
- So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness; as, the deadening effect of some routine tasks.
Syn. -- boring, dreary, ho-hum, irksome, tedious, tiresome, wearisome.WordNet 1.5
- So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness; as, the deadening effect of some routine tasks.
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deadening n. The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine).
Syn. -- stultification, impairment.WordNet 1.5