deaf
Pronounced:
/ˈdɛf/
Function:
adjectiveMeaning:
[more deaf; most deaf] 1 : not able to hear ▪ He has been deaf since birth. ▪ a deaf child ▪ She's completely/partially deaf in her right ear. ▪ a disease that caused her to go deaf [=become unable to hear] ▪ He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up. ▪ (informal) My grandmother's a sweet old lady, but she's as deaf as a post. [=she's very deaf] —see also tone-deaf
2 : not willing to listen to or consider something —usually + to ▪ They were deaf to all of our suggestions. ▪ deaf to reason
2 : not willing to listen to or consider something —usually + to ▪ They were deaf to all of our suggestions. ▪ deaf to reason
fall on deaf ears —see 1ear
the deaf
: deaf people : people who are not able to hear ▪ She goes to a school for the deaf.
turn a deaf ear —see 1ear
—deaf·ness noun [noncount] ▪ The disease can cause blindness and deafness.