darken

American  

[dahr-kuhn] / ˈdɑr kən /

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.

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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.

idioms

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

   Never darken my door again!

darken British  

/ 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!

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of darken

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

Example Sentences

Once inside the gallery, darkened to protect light-sensitive documents and clothing, some of the important battles of the Revolutionary War are laid out chronologically.

From The Wall Street Journal

As for Millie, she’s young but troubled, and circumstances that darkened her past have made her desperate to hang on to this new job, no matter how disturbing things may get.

From The Wall Street Journal

What might darken your rosy view of markets?

From Barron's

Powell has sided with the doves since the jobs picture darkened in August, but the dissents and hawkish guidance underscored how he is navigating with the thinnest internal support of his tenure.

From The Wall Street Journal

We get to the darkened Annex Room behind a bunch of other students.

From Literature

Related Words

• blacken
• dim
• eclipse
• obscure
• overshadow