How to pronounce deafen
Say it like DEF-un. Deafen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce deafen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEF
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deafen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deafen
American and British speakers say deafen in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛfən/ in the US and /ˈdɛfən/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEF-un.
What does deafen mean?
- To make deaf, either temporarily or permanently.“The head injury deafened her for life.”
- To make soundproof.“to deafen a wall or a floor”
Where does deafen come from?
From deaf + -en (verbal suffix).
Questions about saying deafen
How do you pronounce deafen?
Say DEF-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛfən/. In British English it is /ˈdɛfən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deafen?
Deafen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF). Broken into parts: DEF · un.
Do Americans and Brits say deafen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛfən/ and the British form is /ˈdɛfən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.