1. to make someone unable to hear, either temporarily or permanently
2. to make a very loud noise that temporarily impairs hearing

Examples

• The explosion could deafen anyone standing nearby.
• Years of working in the factory without ear protection deafened him.
• The thunder was so loud it seemed to deafen us momentarily.
• Rock concerts can deafen audience members if they sit too close to the speakers.
• The construction noise threatened to deafen the entire neighborhood.
• She covered her ears as the jet engines began to deafen everyone on the runway.