Meaning & Definition
adjective
so intense that it seems to drown out all other sounds.
The silence after the announcement was deafening.
extremely loud; overwhelming in sound.
The band's performance was so electrifying that the applause was deafening.
causing a temporary inability to hear due to loudness.
The explosion created a deafening roar that shook the entire neighborhood.
Etymology
Derived from 'deafen' + '-ing' to denote the action or process of making deaf.
Common Phrases and Expressions
deafening silence:
A silence that is strikingly loud and noticeable, usually unexpected.
Slang Meanings
Loud enough to be annoying or unbearable.
That music is deafening; turn it down!
Making an overwhelming impact or impression.
The criticism was deafening; he couldn't escape its effects.