Meaning & Definition of word "Blacken"
to
Blacken
/ˈblæk.ən/
verb:
- 1. To make or become black; to darken.
- Example: The smoke from the fire began to blacken the walls.
- 2. To tarnish or damage the reputation of; to vilify.
- Example: The scandal served to blacken his previously good name.
- 3. To burn or scorch the surface of something.
- Example: They decided to blacken the steak on the grill for added flavor.
Etymology
Middle English blacken, from black + -en
Common Phrases and Expressions
blacken one's name:
to damage someone's reputation
blacken the sky:
to darken the atmosphere with clouds or smoke
blacken the heart:
to turn towards evil or malevolence
Related Words
black:
the color resulting from the absence of light
blackness:
the quality of being black
blackened:
having been made black or dark
Slang Meanings of blacken
Meaning: to ruin or spoil
Example Sentence: That mistake really blackened my chances of getting the job.
Meaning: to criticize harshly
Example Sentence: The critics blackened the movie in their reviews.