dæmp ˈdæmpən ˈdɛdən convert (metallic mercury) into a grey powder consisting of minute globules, as by shaking with chalk or fatty oil make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation Terror blunted her feelings deaden a sound become lifeless, less lively, intense, or active; lose life, force, or vigor make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible muffle the message lessen the momentum or velocity of deaden a ship's headway make vapid or deprive of spirit deadened wine cut a girdle around so as to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients girdle the plant