blacken

views updated Jun 11 2018

black·en / ˈblakən/ • v. become or make black or dark, esp. as a result of burning, decay, or bruising: [intr.] he set fire to the paper, watching the end blacken as it burned [as adj.] (blackened) her smile revealed blackened teeth. ∎  [tr.] dye or color (the face or hair) black for camouflage or cosmetic effect: in full combat gear with blackened faces. ∎  [intr.] (of the sky) become dark as night or a storm approaches. ∎  [tr.] fig. damage or destroy (someone's good reputation); defame: she won't thank you for blackening her husband's name.

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