The term DEADEN is used to describe a variety of actions that reduce or eliminate sensation, feeling, or activity. CRIPPLE (7 letters) means to disable or impair, often permanently. ALLEVIATE (9 letters) means to reduce or lessen the severity of something. DEVITALIZE (10 letters) means to deprive of strength or vitality. CHLOROFORM (10 letters) is a chemical used to induce unconsciousness. ANESTHETIZE (11 letters) means to make insensitive to pain. DESENSITIZE (11 letters) means to reduce sensitivity or responsiveness. INCAPACITATE (12 letters) means to render unable to act or function. GAG (3 letters) means to restrict speech or movement. DAMP (4 letters) means to reduce in intensity or effect. NUMB (4 letters) means to make insensitive or unaware. BLUNT (5 letters) means to make less intense or effective. BENUMB (6 letters) means to make NUMB or insensitive. OBTUND (6 letters) means to make dull or BLUNT. All of these words can be used to describe the action of deadening something.