n.
Pronunciation: ' def, dial ' d ē f
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English deef, from Old English d ē af; akin to Greek typhlos blind, typhein to smoke, Latin fumus smoke ― more at FUME
Date: before 12th century
1 : lacking or deficient in the sense of hearing
2 : unwilling to hear or listen : not to be persuaded <was overwrought and deaf to reason>
– deaf · ish \ ' de-fish \ adjective
– deaf · ly adverb
– deaf · ness noun