Synonyms for Deaden (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (cut a girdle around so as to kill by interrupting the circulation of water and nutrients):
girdleWordNet sense 2 (make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible):
damp, dampenWordNet sense 3 (make less lively, intense, or vigorous; impair in vigor, force, activity, or sensation):
bluntFrom the ODE community, based on WordNetadd/edit