ˈkæn.dɪd kɹuːd ˈdɛdən dʌl ˈfɔːθˌɹaɪt nʌm make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation Terror blunted her feelings deaden a sound make less sharp blunt the knives make less intense blunted emotions devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment the blunt truth the crude facts facing the stark reality of the deadline characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion blunt talking and straight shooting a blunt New England farmer I gave them my candid opinion forthright criticism a forthright approach to the problem tell me what you think — and you may just as well be frank it is possible to be outspoken without being rude plainspoken and to the point a point-blank accusation used of a knife or other blade; not sharp a blunt instrument make dull or blunt Too much cutting dulls the knife's edge having a broad or rounded end thick marks made by a blunt pencil make numb or insensitive The shock numbed her senses