What type of figurative language is used in the phrase' deafening silence' from The Cop and the Anthem?

Answer 1

The phrase "deafening silence" from "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry is an example of oxymoron, which is a figure of speech that juxtaposes contradictory terms to create a new meaning. In this case, "deafening" typically describes a loud sound, while "silence" denotes the absence of sound. The combination of these opposing ideas evokes a sense of overwhelming quietness, emphasizing the intensity of the silence in a dramatic way.