dull-v; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: (Cause to) become lusterless in appearance.

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[concrete] DULL NP1[agent] DULL NP2[patient[concrete]] NP1[theme] DULL NP2[patient[concrete]]
NOTE: Compare to Sense 3; in Sense 1, NP2 must always be CONCRETE.

Examples:
Age has dulled the surface of this table.
You will dull bright colors if you wash them in hot water.

Mappings:
VerbNet: other_cos-45.4
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: dull.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2

Sense Number 2: Deaden a noise.

Commentary: My headphones dulled the sound of the baby screaming.

Examples:

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 3: (Cause to) become numb, insensitive or less intense

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[theme[abstract]] DULL NP1[agent] DULL NP2[patient[abstract]] NP1[theme] DULL NP2[patient[abstract]]
NOTE: Compare to Sense 1; in Sense 3, NP2 must always be ABSTRACT.

Examples:
They dulled the joy of many pleasure-seekers yesterday.
Canadian monetary policy has dulled the effect of changing exchange rates.
The drugs have dulled the pain.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: dull.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4, 7

Sense Number 4: (Cause to) become less sharp as a cutting instrument.

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[theme] DULL NP1[agent] DULL NP2[patient[concrete]]

Examples:
If you use scissors to cut tin foil, you'll dull them quickly.
These knives have dulled with use.

Mappings:
VerbNet: other_cos-45.4
FrameNet: Cause_to_be_sharp
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 5: (Cause to) become less interesting, attractive or vigorous.

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[theme[animate]] DULL NP1[theme] DULL NP2[patient[animate]]

Examples:
You sure have dulled over the years.
The monotonous assembly line job has really dulled Marty.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: dull.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6, 7