deaf

[US]/def/
[UK]/dɛf/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. unable to hear, unwilling to listen, pretending not to hear.

Phrases & Collocations

deafening silence

deafening noise

deaf ears

deaf and dumb

deaf mute

partially deaf

Example Sentences

be deaf to remonstrances

was deaf to our objections.

she is deaf to all advice.

He was deaf to all advice.

Deaf people can't hear.

She was deaf to my advice.

The deaf do not hear at all.

Many of these children are profoundly deaf.

he was born deaf, dumb, and blind.

turned a deaf ear to the protests.

The teachers were deaf to our requests.

The tyrant was deaf to the entreaties of the slaves.

he went deaf because of the clangour of the steam hammers.

a most unusual astronomer inasmuch as he was deaf mute.

becoming deaf or blind or unable to smell.

he was born deaf and without the power of speech.

deaf-and-dumb alphabet (=manual alphabet)

Our request for money fell on deaf ears.

Real-world Examples

Notice it's to fall on deaf ears, plural, right? Deaf ears.

Source: Tips for IELTS Speaking.

But the plea fell on deaf ears.

Source: Modern University English Intensive Reading (2nd Edition) Volume 1

All three of the deaf characters in the film are played by deaf actors.

Source: VOA Special English: World

You know that Mr. Beethoven is deaf.

Source: Beethoven lives upstairs from me.

I wanted everyone else to be deaf.

Source: TED Talks (Video Version) Bilingual Selection

Today, many indigenous deaf Americans use ASL.

Source: Vox opinion

Helen spoke about the deaf and blind.

Source: Recite for the King Volume 2 (All 70 Lessons)

Humphrey, I am deaf to your complaints.

Source: Yes, Minister Season 3

What would it be like to be blind or deaf?

Source: New Target Junior High School English Grade Eight (Second Semester)

Professor Marchbanks seemed to be a little deaf.

Source: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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