deafening etymology

Etymology

The word "deafening" comes from the Middle English word "defen," which means "to make deaf." This word is derived from the Old English word "deaf," which means "unable to hear." The suffix "-ing" is added to the word "defen" to create the adjective "deafening," which means "causing deafness."

Meaning and Origin

The word "deafening" is used to describe a sound that is so loud that it can cause deafness. This sound can be caused by a variety of sources, such as a gunshot, an explosion, or a loud speaker. The word "deafening" can also be used figuratively to describe a situation that is so overwhelming or shocking that it can cause a person to feel disoriented or stunned.

The first recorded use of the word "deafening" in the English language was in the early 16th century. The word was originally used to describe the sound of a gunshot. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any sound that was loud enough to cause deafness. The word "deafening" is now used in a variety of contexts, both literal and figurative.

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