dulling

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Dull \Dull\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Duller; p. pr. & vb. n. Dulling.]

1.To deprive of sharpness of edge or point. "This . . . dulled their swords." --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To make dull, stupid, or sluggish; to stupefy, as the senses, the feelings, the perceptions, and the like. [1913 Webster]

Those [drugs] she has Will stupefy and dull the sense a while.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Use and custom have so dulled our eyes.— Trench.[1913 Webster]

3.To render dim or obscure; to sully; to tarnish. "Dulls the mirror." --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

4.To deprive of liveliness or activity; to render heavy; to make inert; to depress; to weary; to sadden. [1913 Webster]

Attention of mind . . . wasted or dulled through continuance.— Hooker.[1913 Webster]