blur
Americanverb (used with object)
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to obscure or sully (something) by smearing or with a smeary substance.
The windows were blurred with soot.
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to obscure by making confused in form or outline; make indistinct.
The fog blurred the outline of the car.
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to dim the perception or susceptibility of; make dull or insensible.
The blow on the head blurred his senses.
verb (used without object)
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to become indistinct.
Everything blurred as she ran.
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to make blurs.
noun
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a smudge or smear that obscures.
a blur of smoke.
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a blurred condition; indistinctness.
They could see nothing in the foggy blur.
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something seen indistinctly.
The ship appeared as a blur against the horizon.
verb
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to make or become vague or less distinct
heat haze blurs the hills
education blurs class distinctions
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to smear or smudge
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(tr) to make (the judgment, memory, or perception) less clear; dim
noun
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something vague, hazy, or indistinct
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a smear or smudge
Other Word Forms
- blurred adjective
- blurredly adverb
- blurredness noun
- blurriness noun
- blurringly adverb
- blurry adjective
- unblurred adjective
Etymology
Origin of blur
First recorded in 1540–50; akin to blear
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.
That lack of connection has led many to seek advice and support from AI, blurring the line between technology and companionship.
From BBC
“I wanted to blur all the lines and make these abstract sequences,” says Zweig.
From Los Angeles Times
Gonzalez said this marks a turning point in college, as Colorado’s stance on fines “blurs the lines of whether college sports are now mirroring pro sports.”
From MarketWatch
In his role at Wedbush, Ives appears to be blurring the lines between research and marketing.
From Barron's
She would angle herself to fly up through the clouds, soaring higher and higher in the white blur of them.
From Literature
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.
