Blunted

The word 'blunted' describes something that has been made less sharp or effective. It can refer to a physical object losing its pointed edge or a metaphorical concept becoming less intense or impactful. This weakening can stem from overuse, age, or deliberate action. A blunted object is unable to perform its primary function with the same precision or force. Similarly, a blunted feeling or concept experiences a decrease in its original power or impact, leading to a diminished experience or response.

Blunted meaning with examples

• The hunter's knife, after weeks of use in the wilderness, had become significantly blunted. It took several attempts to skin the deer, and the cuts were rougher than before. The dull edge made it challenging to properly prepare the meat. He needed to sharpen the blade before his next hunt. This exemplifies the physical aspect of blunting, where sharpness is diminished through wear and tear.
• After years of hearing political rhetoric, the public's outrage at corruption seemed blunted. The initial shock and anger had faded. Many individuals found themselves feeling apathetic towards repeated scandals. The news no longer created the stir it once did, and the desire for change had diminished. This highlights the metaphorical blunting of emotional responses over time.
• The constant stream of violent images in the media had blunted the children's sensitivity to violence. They showed little empathy for the characters depicted in the latest movie. What should be disturbing, elicited little more than a shrug. This illustrates how repetitive exposure can lessen the impact of stimuli and cause a degree of emotional desensitization.
• The medication designed to ease the patients' pain also blunted their mental clarity. While their pain was diminished, they reported feeling sluggish and having trouble concentrating on tasks. Although offering relief in one area, it created new problems. The side effects impacted the patient's cognitive ability. This shows how a direct physical response is altered.