blacken
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to make or become black or dirty
-
(tr) to defame; slander (esp in the phrase blacken someone's name )
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
blackensimple
-
blackenssimple
-
have blackenedperfect
-
has blackenedperfect
-
am blackeningprogressive
-
are blackeningprogressive
-
is blackeningprogressive
-
have been blackeningperfect progressive
-
has been blackeningperfect progressive
Past
-
blackenedsimple
-
had blackenedperfect
-
was blackeningprogressive
-
were blackeningprogressive
-
had been blackeningperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of blacken
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at black, -en 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They retained Malcolm Blacken as their senior director of player development to help introduce new players to the area and support them when needed.
From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022
Mr. Blacken and Mr. Steinberg both said that because of an athlete’s position, players are often approached by those looking for money.
From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2022
"We do have a team psychologist and she’s available, as well as not just myself but position coaches, coordinators and Malcolm Blacken, who is our director of player development. … We’re there for them."
From Fox News • Dec. 30, 2021
During the draft process, Washington interviewed Charles at the combine and later had senior director of player development Malcolm Blacken conduct one final background check a week before the draft.
From Washington Times • May 18, 2020
Blacken one box in the flame of an oil lamp.
From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.