deaf

[ def ]
/ dɛf /

adjective, deaf·er, deaf·est.

partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing; unable to hear.
refusing to listen, heed, or be persuaded; unreasonable or unyielding: deaf to all advice.
(initial capital letter) of or relating to the Deaf or their cultural community: Deaf customs and values.

noun (used with a plural verb)

deaf persons collectively (usually preceded by the): social services for the deaf.
(initial capital letter) deaf persons who identify themselves as members of a community composed of deaf persons and others who share in their culture (usually preceded by the).

Origin of deaf

before 900; Middle English deef, Old English dēaf; cognate with Middle Low German dōf, Dutch doof, Old High German toub

pronunciation note for deaf

Deaf is usually pronounced [def] /dɛf/, with the vowel of left. In uneducated speech the dialectal pronunciation [deef] /dif/, to rhyme with leaf, is still heard occasionally, but it is increasingly rare.

usage note for deaf

See dumb.

OTHER WORDS FROM deaf

Words nearby deaf

deadrise, deadweight tonnage, deadwood, deadwork, deaerate, deaf, deaf aid, deaf as a post, deaf without speech, deaf-and-dumb, deaf-blind

Example sentences from the Web for deafness

British Dictionary definitions for deafness

deaf
/ (dɛf) /

adjective

  1. partially or totally unable to hear
  2. (as collective noun; preceded by the)the deaf See also tone-deaf
refusing to heed deaf to the cries of the hungry

Derived forms of deaf

deafly, adverb deafness, noun

Word Origin for deaf

Old English dēaf; related to Old Norse daufr

undefined deaf

See elderly

Medical definitions for deafness (1 of 2)

deafness
[ dĕf′nĭs ]

n.

The lack or loss of the ability to hear.

Medical definitions for deafness (2 of 2)

deaf
[ dĕf ]

adj.

Partially or completely lacking in the sense of hearing.
Deaf Of or relating to the Deaf or their culture.

n.

Deaf people considered as a group.
Deaf The community of deaf people who use American Sign Language as a primary means of communication.

Scientific definitions for deafness

deafness
[ dĕf′nĭs ]

The lack or severe impairment of the ability to hear. Deafness is usually genetic or congenital as a result of prenatal viral infection, birth trauma, or other causes. Acquired deafness is caused mostly by drug toxicity, trauma, and certain diseases. Cochlear implants are used to treat some forms of deafness.

Idioms and Phrases with deafness

deaf