Dictionary
1dumb
adjective \ˈdəm\
Definition of DUMB
1
a : lacking the human power of speech <dumb animals> b of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
2
: temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) <struck dumb with fear>
3
: not expressed in uttered words <dumb grief>
5
: lacking some usual attribute or accompaniment; especially : having no means of self-propulsion <a dumb barge>
6
a : lacking intelligence : stupid b : showing a lack of intelligence <asking dumb questions> c : requiring no intelligence <dumb luck>
7
: not having the capability to process data <a dumb terminal> — compare intelligent 3a
— dumb·ly \ˈdəm-lē\ adverb
— dumb·ness noun
See dumb defined for English-language learners
See dumb defined for kids
Usage Discussion of DUMB
There is evidence that, when applied to persons who cannot speak, dumb has come to be considered offensive.
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Origin of DUMB
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German tumb mute
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to DUMB
- Synonyms
- silent, mum, mute, muted, speechless, uncommunicative, wordless
- Antonyms
- communicative, speaking, talking
Synonym Discussion of DUMB
stupid, dull, dense, crass, dumb mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary <stupid students just keeping the seats warm> <stupid with drink>. dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock <monotonous work that leaves the mind dull>. dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas <too dense to take a hint>. crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy <a crass, materialistic people>. dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension <too dumb to figure out what's going on>.
2dumb
verb
Definition of DUMB
transitive verb
: to make silent : deaden <would lie around, dumbed by the drugs — Norman Mailer>
See dumb defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DUMB
1607
DUMB Defined for Kids
dumb
adjective \ˈdəm\
dumb·erdumb·est
Definition of DUMB for Kids
1
: lacking the power of human speech <dumb animals>
2
often offensive : lacking the ability to speak Hint:In the past, this word was not considered offensive when used in this way. In recent years, however, many people have come to find it hurtful, and you may offend someone by using it.
3
: temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or surprise)
Medical Dictionary
dumb
adjective \ˈdəm\
Medical Definition of DUMB
1
: lacking the human power of speech <dumb animals>
2
of a person often offensive : lacking the ability to speak
—dumb·ly \ˈdəm-lē\ adverb
—dumb·ness noun
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