adjective
deaf
DEF/def/
Unable to perceive sound fully.
The partially deaf man leans closer, cupping his ear beside his hearing aid.
Etymology
Old English deaf already meant lacking hearing. The modern sense preserves that meaning, while the same Old English adjective could also mean “empty” or “barren.”
In context
she's deaf or severe to profound hearing loss because it's because of a virus
More examples
- My grandfather is deaf in one ear.
- The puppy was born deaf and responds to hand signals.
- The landlord remains deaf to our requests for repairs.
Forms
deaf · deafer · deafest
deafness noun — Partial or complete inability to hear.
deafen verb — To cause someone to lose hearing.
Similar words
- hard of hearing
- Usually describes partial hearing loss rather than complete deafness.