Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Adjective: deadening  de-d(u-)ning
  1. So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
    "the deadening effect of some routine tasks";
    - boring, dull, ho-hum [informal], irksome, slow, tedious, tiresome, wearisome, unamusing, deadly [informal], draggy [informal], mind-numbing
Noun: deadening  de-d(u-)ning
  1. The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
    - stultification, constipation, impairment
Verb: deaden  de-d(u)n
  1. Make vague, obscure or make (an image) less visible
    - dampen, damp
     
  2. Cut a girdle around so as to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients
    - girdle
     
  3. Make vapid or deprive of spirit
    "deadened wine"
     
  4. Lessen the momentum or velocity of
    "deaden a ship's headway"
     
  5. Become lifeless, less lively, intense, or active; lose life, force, or vigour
     
  6. Make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigour, force, activity, or sensation
    "deaden a sound";
    - blunt
     
  7. (chemistry) convert (metallic mercury) into a grey powder consisting of minute globules, as by shaking with chalk or fatty oil

Derived forms: deadenings

See also: lame, lameo [informal], meh [informal], samey [Brit, informal], uninspiring, uninteresting

Type of: alter, break, change, convert, damp, dampen, debasement, degradation, incise, modify, retard, soften, weaken

Antonym: liven