bruise
verb (used with object)
to injure by striking or pressing, without breaking the skin.
bruised
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past participleof bruise.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof bruise.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
bruiseverb (used with object)to injure by striking or pressing, without breaking the skin.
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’s some shaky ground on which to repair bruised friendships.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026
U.S. junk bonds are getting badly bruised in September, with their high yields so far failing to provide enough cushion this month to withstand heightened market volatility without losses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Legislators advanced bills, backed by California’s powerful trial lawyer trade group, aimed at policing the state’s legal industry, which has been bruised by ‘a wave of inappropriate attorney conduct’ highlighted by The Times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
Salisbury was colorful: A mixed martial arts enthusiast, he once appeared at the agency’s headquarters with his face bruised and eye blackened from a recent bout.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026
To Penelope he added, “I found your friend Faucet, too, while I was searching the woods. He’s bruised from a rough landing but in good working order otherwise.”
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
