cauterize

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of CAUTERIZE

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling <time had cauterized his bitterness, and he was willing to let bygones be bygones>

Synonyms benumb, blunt, cauterize, damp, dampen, deaden, numb

Related Words muffle, mute, tone (down); decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), lower, reduce, subdue; debilitate, enfeeble, weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten; abate, moderate

Near Antonyms amplify, augment, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen; animate, arouse, stimulate

Antonyms sharpen, whet

What made you want to look up cauterize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears