I. ˈdəm adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German tumb mute
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : lacking the human power of speech
dumb animals
b. of a person , often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2. : temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment)
struck dumb with fear
3. : not expressed in uttered words
dumb grief
4. : silent ; also : taciturn
5. : lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment ; especially : having no means of self-propulsion
a dumb barge
6.
a. : lacking intelligence : stupid
b. : showing a lack of intelligence
asking dumb questions
c. : requiring no intelligence
dumb luck
7. : not having the capability to process data
a dumb terminal
— compare intelligent 3a
Synonyms: see stupid
• dumb·ly ˈdəm-lē adverb
• dumb·ness noun
Usage:
There is evidence that, when applied to persons who cannot speak, dumb has come to be considered offensive.
II. transitive verb
Date: 1607
: to make silent : deaden
would lie around, dumb ed by the drugs — Norman Mailer