darken
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to become dark or darker.
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to become obscure.
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to become less white or clear in color.
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to grow clouded, as with gloom or anger.
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to become blind.
idioms
verb
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to make or become dark or darker
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to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad
his mood darkened
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(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
Etymology
Origin of darken
First recorded in 1250–1300, darken is from the Middle English word derknen. See dark, -en 1
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.
Prospects for investors and the economy are darkening.
From MarketWatch
The word Legendary was in bright yellow, while the rest of the words were green on a midnight-black background that blended into the darkening sky.
From Literature
Dr. Crowchild’s face darkens as she listens, but I keep going, determined to finish what I need to say.
From Literature
Hesterfowl’s beady eyes darkened, a storm rolling over her expression—the kind of green-black skies that sent squirrels and insects fleeing for cover.
From Literature
And while the survey showed output among businesses holding up relatively well, a darkening demand outlook spells concern for the economy going forward, Colijn said.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
