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Blacken: meaning, definitions and examples

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blacken

 

[ ˈblækən ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

cooking

To make something become black or dark in color by burning it, often used in the context of cooking.

Synonyms

burn, char, scorch

Examples of usage

  • The chef blackened the fish by searing it in a hot pan.
  • She blackened the steak on the grill for a smoky flavor.
Context #2 | Verb

reputation

To damage or spoil someone's reputation by making false or damaging statements about them.

Synonyms

defame, slander, smear

Examples of usage

  • The rumors were spread to blacken his name and ruin his career.
  • He was determined to blacken her reputation by spreading lies.
Context #3 | Verb

emotion

To make something or someone seem worse or more evil than they really are.

Synonyms

demonize, tarnish, vilify

Examples of usage

  • The media often blackens the image of politicians for the sake of sensationalism.
  • Don't let anger blacken your perception of reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "blacken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enegrecer

🇮🇳 काला करना

🇩🇪 schwärzen

🇮🇩 menghitamkan

🇺🇦 чорнити

🇵🇱 oczernić

🇯🇵 黒くする (くろくする)

🇫🇷 noircir

🇪🇸 ennegrecer

🇹🇷 karartmak

🇰🇷 검게 하다

🇸🇦 تسويد

🇨🇿 očernit

🇸🇰 očerniť

🇨🇳 变黑 (biàn hēi)

🇸🇮 počrniti

🇮🇸 sværta

🇰🇿 қарайту

🇬🇪 გაშავება

🇦🇿 qaraltmaq

🇲🇽 ennegrecer

Etymology

The word 'blacken' originated from the Old English word 'blæcen', meaning 'to darken'. Over time, it evolved to its current form in Middle English. The use of 'blacken' expanded from describing the physical act of darkening something to also encompassing the tarnishing of reputations and perceptions. The word has been in use for centuries, adapting to various contexts and meanings.

See also: black, blackbird, blackboard, blackened, blackening, blackhead, blacklist, blackmail, blackness, blackout.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,319, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.