deaden
UK[ˈdedn]US[ˈdedn]
v
to make something less strong, sharp, or noticeable
v
to make a material or surface less likely to reflect sound, prevent vibrations, or transmit force
Morpheme Breakdown
dead
en
dead
without life or vigor
en
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'deaden' is a transparent english formation from the adjective 'dead' and the causative suffix '-en'. the old english root 'dēad' traces back to proto-germanic 'daudaz', itself from the proto-indo-european root 'dheu-', meaning 'to die'. the suffix '-en' is a productive verb-forming element in english, as seen in words like 'sharpen' or 'widen', meaning 'to make or become'. thus, the literal construction 'to make dead' evolved logically into the modern abstract senses of reducing intensity, force, sensitivity, or sound, implying a removal of vitality or activity.
Analysis
Structure: dead (without life or vigor) + en (verb-forming suffix)
dead (from old english 'dēad', meaning lifeless, inactive); en (a verb-forming suffix of germanic origin, meaning 'to make or become')
Examples
thick curtains help to deaden the noise from the street.
the doctor gave him an injection to deaden the pain before the procedure.
the shock absorbers are designed to deaden the impact of bumps on the road.