deadens
/ˈdɛdənz/
VERB
1. To make something less lively or intense
To render something less lively, intense, powerful, or noticeable; to diminish its effect or muffle its impact.
1.1. To reduce intensity or strength
To make an emotion, sensation, effect, or physical force weaker or less intense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- amplifies
- augments
- heightens
- intensifies
- strengthens
Examples
- The medication deadens the pain temporarily, providing relief to the patient.
- The treatment deadens the sensation around the injured area.
Related Words
- alleviates
- eases
- lowers
- mitigates
- undermines
1.2. To numb physical or emotional sensitivity
To make someone less sensitive to physical sensations, pain, emotions, or experiences.
Synonyms
- benumbs
- blunts
- dulls
- muffles
- mutes
- numbs
Antonyms
- arouses
- animates
- enlivens
- excites
- stimulates
Examples
- Constant exposure to negative news deadens our sensitivity to human suffering.
- Repeated disappointments deaden his emotional response to criticism.
Related Words
- desensitizes
- dampens
- suppresses
- subdues
1.3. To diminish enthusiasm or motivation
To reduce someone's enthusiasm, confidence, motivation, or emotional energy.
Synonyms
- demoralizes
- discourages
- disheartens
- dispirits
- drains
- dampens
Antonyms
Examples
- The monotony of the routine gradually deadens their enthusiasm for their work.
- Repeated criticism deadens the team's motivation to improve.
Related Words
1.4. To muffle or suppress sound
To reduce the loudness, resonance, or clarity of sound by absorbing or blocking noise.
Synonyms
- dampens
- muffles
- mutes
Antonyms
- amplifies
- heightens
- intensifies
Examples
- The thick carpeting in the room effectively deadens the sound, creating a quiet environment.
- The acoustic panels deaden echoes in the recording studio.
Related Words
- damps
- silences
- soundproofs
- suppresses
VERB
2. To become less lively or intense
To become weaker, less active, or less intense without being directly acted upon by an external force.
2.1. To gradually diminish or subside
To gradually become weaker, less noticeable, or less intense over time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The excitement deadens as the audience gradually loses interest.
- The noise deadens as the crowd moves farther away.
Related Words
VERB
3. To make something soundproof
To treat a room, structure, or surface so that it prevents or reduces the transmission of sound.
3.1. To reduce sound transmission
To make an area or structure more resistant to noise by using materials that absorb or block sound.
Synonyms
- insulates
- muffles
- soundproofs
Examples
- The thick carpeting deadens the sound in the room.
- The builders use special materials that deaden noise between floors.
Related Words
- acoustically treats
- dampens
- sound-insulates
- suppresses