deaf
UK: dɛf | US: dɛf
adj. lacking the sense of hearing, either wholly or in part
adj. unwilling or refusing to listen or heed
The word "deaf" traces back to Old English dēaf, meaning "lacking the sense of hearing." It shares roots with Proto-Germanic daubaz and Old Norse daufr, all conveying the idea of being unable to hear. Unlike many modern English words, "deaf" has retained its compact form without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions, making it a residue of ancient Germanic vocabulary. Its meaning has remained remarkably stable over centuries, though it can also metaphorically describe willful ignorance ("deaf to reason").
The deaf child communicated using sign language.
He turned a deaf ear to their complaints.
Many deaf individuals excel in visual arts.
She felt isolated in a world designed for the hearing.
The politician was deaf to the concerns of ordinary citizens.