airbrush

[air-bruhsh]

noun

1. an atomizer for spraying paint.

verb (used with object)

1. to paint or decorate, using an airbrush.

   to airbrush murals; to airbrush silk kimonos.

2. to remove or alter by or as by means of an airbrush.

   to airbrush facial lines from a photograph.

3. to prettify or sanitize.

   airbrushed versions of modern history.

airbrush

/ ˈɛəˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. an atomizer for spraying paint or varnish by means of compressed air

verb

1. to paint or varnish (something) by using an airbrush

2. to improve the image of (a person or thing) by concealing defects beneath a bland exterior

   an airbrushed version of the government's record

Word History and Origins

Origin of airbrush¹

First recorded in 1885–90; air ¹ + brush ¹

Example Sentences

He was also a steely, secretive poser who worked overtime to airbrush his image.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

‘He knew that I airbrushed and was also thinking about how the mechanics of a car machine resemble parts of the human body — are kind of extensions of them in some way.’

Read more on Los Angeles Times

So she kept making them, encouraged by the rave reviews: A chocolate cake for Escoto’s 24th birthday, airbrushed in psychedelic blue and green and embellished with gummy bears.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Tennis Association has asked carriers to airbrush the reaction, tennis scribe Ben Rothenberg reported –Alcaraz-Sinner has become the best theater in sports.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Prince Andrew will be entirely airbrushed out of this week's visit.

Read more on BBC