darken

[ dahr-kuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make dark or darker.
2. to make obscure.
3. to make less white or clear in color.
4. to make gloomy; sadden:

   He darkened the festivities by his presence.

   Synonyms: deject, blacken, dispirit, depress

5. to make blind.

verb (used without object)

1. to become dark or darker.
2. to become obscure.
3. to become less white or clear in color.
4. to grow clouded, as with gloom or anger.
5. to become blind.

darken

/ ˈdɑːkən /

verb

1. to make or become dark or darker
2. to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad

   his mood darkened

3. darken someone's door
   usually used with a negative to visit someone

   never darken my door again!

Derived Forms

• ˈdarkener, noun

Other Words From

• darken·er noun
• un·darken verb (used with object)
• well-darkened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of darken¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, darken is from the Middle English word derknen. See dark, -en ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. darken someone's door, to come to visit; make an appearance:

   Never darken my door again!

Example Sentences

“Many were not here in 2015. You have falafel, shawarma - many shops for Syrian food. It was a comfortable, safe place for Syrians…” But now the mood is darkening.

From BBC

Amid explosions and darkened skies, the crew at Mountain High ski resort jumped into action, firing up a hundred snow cannons to douse the flames with water.

From Los Angeles Times

The darkened stage, swathed in movie projector fog, seems like a studio set in which dreams are manufactured through live projections along with more traditional Hollywood means.

From Los Angeles Times

Miserably, mother and daughter sat together in a darkened room in case Mrs Spencer had "an attack".

From BBC

From a darkened corridor we climb a narrow, twisting flight of stairs to the attic.

From BBC

Related Words

• blacken
• dim
• eclipse
• obscure
• overshadow