blacken

[ blak-uhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make black; darken.
2. to speak evil of; defame:

   to blacken a person's reputation.

   Synonyms: calumniate, traduce, libel, slander, smear, denigrate

verb (used without object)

1. to grow or become black.

blacken

/ ˈblækən /

verb

1. to make or become black or dirty
2. tr to defame; slander (esp in the phrase blacken someone's name )

Other Words From

• blacken·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blacken¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; black, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Tossed with some sliced cabbage that’s spread on the pan next to the tofu, the sauce helps the thinner cabbage pieces singe and blacken appealingly.

From Seattle Times

He was accompanied by his attorney and Malcolm Blacken, Washington’s senior director of player development.

From Washington Times

The ban, combined with an existing prohibition on fireworks in unincorporated areas, is meant to discourage would-be pyromaniacs from accidentally laying waste to their neighbors’ houses or setting off wildfires that blacken hundreds of acres.

From Seattle Times

But as the ghostly figure draws nearer, its skin rots and its eyes blacken.

From New York Times

Though it isn’t associated with any major adverse effects, the treatment can blacken existing cavities.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• blot
• smudge
• stain
• sully
• tarnish