Blacken: meaning, definitions and examples

⚫️

Add to dictionary

blacken

[ˈblækən ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blacken	Blacken, used again, typically means to make something dark or to coat with a black substance. It can also be used in cooking, particularly in terms of blackening fish or meat. The pot began to blacken on the stove He blackened the fish with a special spice mix
char	Char refers to the process of burning something until it is blackened or reduced to carbon. It is often used in cooking or to describe destruction by fire. The steak was perfectly charred on the grill The house was charred beyond recognition after the fire
scorch	Scorch means to burn something slightly so that it becomes discolored or damaged. It is often used for minor burns or surface level burns. The sun can scorch your skin if you're not careful She accidentally scorched her dress with the iron
burn	Burn is used when something is damaged or consumed by fire. It can also refer to the feeling of heat or pain from fire or chemicals, and metaphorically to describe intense emotions. The logs burn brightly in the fireplace She felt her skin burn after being in the sun for too long His words can really burn when he's angry

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blacken	Used to describe making someone's reputation worse by spreading false or damaging information. Can also mean physically making something black. The politician's rivals tried to blacken his name before the election. The smoke blackened the walls of the building.
defame	Typically used in a legal or formal context to describe the act of damaging someone's good reputation through false statements. She sued the magazine for defaming her character. Public officials must be careful not to defame others without evidence.
slander	Refers specifically to spoken statements meant to harm someone's reputation. It is often used in legal situations. He was accused of slander after spreading false rumors about his coworker. The celebrity took legal action after being slandered in an interview.
smear	This word is often used in political or public contexts to describe a deliberate campaign to ruin someone's reputation through false accusations or misrepresentation. The news article was part of a smear campaign against the candidate. She was the target of a smear aimed at ruining her career.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blacken	This word is often used when something is physically made black or dark, or metaphorically to describe something that has been made to seem bad or evil, although it can be used in less intense situations than 'demonize' or 'vilify'. The smoke from the fire blackened the walls. She claims the gossip has blackened her reputation.
vilify	This word is used to describe speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner. It has a strong negative connotation similar to 'demonize', but is more focused on the act of defamation. The press vilified the actor after the incident. He was vilified by his enemies for his controversial opinions.
demonize	This word is used to describe the act of portraying someone or something as completely evil or wicked. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in political or social contexts. The politician tried to demonize his opponent to sway the voters. Media outlets often demonize certain groups to create fear.
tarnish	Use this word when referring to damage done to a reputation or image, often implying a loss of respect or honor without the intensity of 'demonize'. It can also refer to a physical process where something becomes less shiny. The scandal tarnished the company's image. The silverware began to tarnish over time.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Old English, derived from 'blæcan,' meaning to blacken or darken.
Related words in other languages, like 'noir' in French and 'schwarz' in German, show how the concept of blackness is widely recognized in many cultures.

Culinary Arts

In cooking, 'blackening' is a technique where food, especially fish, is coated in spices and cooked over high heat, giving it a dark, flavorful crust.
Traditional Cajun recipes often use blackening to enhance the taste of meats and seafood, adding a smoky flavor that resembles char.

Literature

The term can symbolize moral corruption or evil in literary works, often used to depict a character's fall from grace.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe utilized the concept of blackening to create an atmosphere of gloom and despair in their narratives.

Psychology

Associating darkness or blackening with negative emotions can influence how individuals perceive fear or anxiety.
Research suggests that darker colors can affect mood, often being linked to feelings of sadness or anger.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, black can represent both mourning and power, reflecting dual meanings across various traditions.
Blackening is often seen in art and fashion, where bold black colors may symbolize sophistication or a rebellion against traditional norms.

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

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.

...
27316 undirected
27317 grotesquely
27318 devotedly
27319 blacken
27320 paged
27321 recreating
27322 theocratic
...