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

Fortunately, one of the bar’s signature drinks, the American Troubadour, does contain cold brew, just in case an Espresso Martini lover should ever darken Stephens’s door and summon the courage to order just what they like.

From Salon

The lighter one, called the penumbra, will not have too much effect but the umbra, the inner and darker shadow, will darken the Moon.

From BBC

But despite his success, controversy over his lyrics' violent misogyny and homophobia darken his legacy.

From BBC

Like eyeglasses that darken to provide sun protection, the optical properties of these transparent films can be tuned with electricity to block out solar heat and light.

From Science Daily

Their bodies darken and harden, and they focus on finding a mate somewhere up in the trees.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blacken
• dim
• eclipse
• obscure
• overshadow