darken

[dahr-kuhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dark or darker.

2. to make obscure.

3. to make less white or clear in color.

4. to make gloomy; sadden.

   He darkened the festivities by his presence.

   Synonyms: deject, blacken, dispirit, depress

5. to make blind.

verb (used without object)

1. to become dark or darker.

2. to become obscure.

3. to become less white or clear in color.

4. to grow clouded, as with gloom or anger.

5. to become blind.

darken

/ ˈdɑːkən /

verb

1. to make or become dark or darker

2. to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad

   his mood darkened

3. (usually used with a negative) to visit someone

   never darken my door again!

Other Word Forms

• darkener noun
• undarken verb (used with object)
• well-darkened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of darken¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, darken is from the Middle English word derknen. See dark, -en ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. darken someone's door, to come to visit; make an appearance.

   Never darken my door again!

Example Sentences

Avril, a retired illustrator who penned the artwork for the young Amelia Bedelia books, said she routinely walks home alone late at night through the city’s darkened streets, and feels perfectly safe doing so.

From Los Angeles Times

In a darkened airport hotel ballroom room, a bevy of California Democrats sought to distinguish themselves from the crowded field running for governor in 2026.

From Los Angeles Times

Moods darkened to the point where a fist fight broke out between two spectators in the grandstand behind the final green.

From BBC

Minguela lay in his darkened cell, reflecting on moments when he had arrived home, tired from work and traffic, and scolded his children about minor messes.

From Los Angeles Times

As smoke quickly darkens the day and the unstoppable, town-hopping fire hems in the bus, cutting off routes, the journey takes a dystopian turn, raising the stakes and alarm levels to unimaginable heights.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blacken 
• dim 
• eclipse 
• obscure 
• overshadow