blacken

[ blak-uhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make black; darken.
2. to speak evil of; defame:

   to blacken a person's reputation.

   Synonyms: calumniate, traduce, libel, slander, smear, denigrate

verb (used without object)

1. to grow or become black.

blacken

/ ˈblækən /

verb

1. to make or become black or dirty
2. tr to defame; slander (esp in the phrase blacken someone's name )

Other Words From

• blacken·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blacken¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; black, -en ¹

Example Sentences

They rebuilt a simple, one-room cabin on the blackened site.

From Outside Online

He was notably plump for a small reptile, and the end of his tail was missing, blackened.

From Outside Online

A sweet choice is great for lending a sugary punch to a savory bun or a heavily salted piece of meat, or to offset a spicy or heavily seasoned dish like jerk wings or blackened salmon.

From Eater

Turn them regularly until charred all over and tender, then allow to cool enough so you can peel off the blackened skins and purée into dip.

From Eater

His forehead was bruised, his eyes were blackened and his neck was scored with scratches.

From ProPublica

Because of a quibble on his part this loathsome thing would ruin his future, dash his hopes to the ground, blacken his life.

From Project Gutenberg

The river pool commenced to blacken, while flowering rushes tossed their shivering heads and murmured.

From Project Gutenberg

"Too bad of you to blacken me to her like that," remarked the judge.

From Project Gutenberg

They have done what they could to blacken his name; and to this day the shadow they have cast upon it in part remains.

From Project Gutenberg

These lawyers who are coming will blacken lots of paper, and talk a great deal of useless stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blot
• smudge
• stain
• sully
• tarnish