deaden

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

verb make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible
verb cut a girdle around so as to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients
verb make vapid or deprive of spirit

From dead + -en. Compare Dutch doden (“to kill”), West Frisian deadzje (“to kill”).

The thick dust deadened our footsteps. — The Time Machine, H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
This carpet would deaden footsteps too." — The Grell Mystery, Frank Froest
"Work is a drug to deaden thought. — The History of Sir Richard Calmady: A Romance, Lucas Malet

dampen, damp

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