redden

American  

[red-n] / ˈrɛd n /

verb (used with object)

1. to make or cause to become red.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to become red.

2. to blush; flush.

redden British  

/ ˈrɛdən /

verb

1. to make or become red

2. (intr) to flush with embarrassment, anger, etc; blush

---

Other Word Forms

• outredden
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of redden

First recorded in 1605–15; red ¹ + -en ¹

Explanation

When something reddens, its color changes so that it looks red. In autumn, the leaves on some trees redden before they fall to the ground. If the sky reddens at dusk, you might remember the rhyme "red sky at night, sailor's delight." Pale people redden too, when they blush or flush with embarrassment. A child coloring a picture with crayons might redden the sky and shade the trees blue and purple. The Old English root, meaning "become red," is readian.

Example Sentences

Dust can absorb blue light, and redden the object.

From Washington Post • Aug. 26, 2022

From its color, Ellis and his colleagues knew at least some of its stars were mature, because they tend to redden with age.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 30, 2022

He stops talking, his eyes redden, he takes a deep breath, and reaches for his cup of tea.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2019

Recounting this, Gadsby’s eyes redden; her voice is loud and breaking.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 28, 2018

The merchant’s glittering black eyes did not waver, nor the tallow cheeks redden.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes