DEADEN

v. 1 numb, benumb, paralyse, anaesthetize, desensitize, dull; damp This injection will deaden your hand and you'll feel no pain 2 weaken, moderate, soothe, mitigate, assuage, reduce, lessen, diminish, alleviate, cushion, soften, mollify, blunt, dull He took to drink to deaden the shock of losing his only son