darken
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to become dark or darker.
-
to become obscure.
-
to become less white or clear in color.
-
to grow clouded, as with gloom or anger.
-
to become blind.
idioms
verb
-
to make or become dark or darker
-
to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad
his mood darkened
-
(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.
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.
We get to the darkened Annex Room behind a bunch of other students.
From Literature
When Erivo’s concert ended on opening night, a cheerful crowd of more than 800 people rushed into the darkened streets looking for a nightcap and a bite to eat.
From Los Angeles Times
As long as the earnings picture doesn’t darken, shares should rise.
From Barron's
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.
