Deaf

(dĕf, or dēf), a. [A-S. deaf, O. Sax. dof, D. doof, Dan. döv, Sw. döf, O. Fries. daf, Icel. daufr, Goth. daubs, Ger. taub.]

1Sense 1. Wanting the sense of hearing either wholly or in part; unable to perceive sounds.

Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf. Shak.

2Sense 2. Unwilling to hear or listen; determinedly inattentive; regardless; inaccessible; not to be persuaded as to facts, argument, or exhortation;—followed by to; as, deaf to reason, &c.

Deaf to the rumor of fallacious fame. Pope.

3Sense 3. Deprived of the power of hearing; deafened.

Deaf with the noise, I took my hasty flight. Dryden.

4Sense 4. Obscurely heard; stifled; deadened. [Rare.]

A deaf murmur through the squadron went. Dryden.

5Sense 5. Decayed; tasteless; dead; as, a deaf nut; deaf corn. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

If the season be unkindly and intemperate, they [peppers] will catch a blast; and then the seeds will be deaf, void, light, and naught. Holland.

Deaf and dumb. See DEAF-MUTE.

v. t. To render deaf; to deafen. [Obs. and rare.] “Deafs his ears.” Dryden.