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.
Their mood tends to darken considerably, leading them to be more likely to sell their stock holdings and less likely to buy.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
Gainsborough grew up with Andrews, and the clouds that darken behind him seem to hint at his disposition.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026
What might darken your rosy view of markets?
From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025
Western fence lizards can darken in warmer temperatures, sometimes appearing black in color.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025
The skies darken earlier since the clocks turned back.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
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.
