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

Example sentences from the Web for deaf

British Dictionary definitions for deaf

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 deaf

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.

Idioms and Phrases with deaf

deaf