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 Word Forms

• blackener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blacken¹

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

Example Sentences

Verified videos and photos show the upper storeys of the building severely damaged, blackened and smoking, with sections of walls and windows destroyed.

From BBC

In other instances, candle wax has damaged some of the internal stones, along with burnt incense sticks leaving thick soot which has blackened some stones beyond cleaning.

From BBC

In an effort to describe them, fashion writers mentioned blackened silver and beach fog.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the farmers and firefighters had blackened faces and sore eyes.

From BBC

Images show blackened, burnt out cars and people sat on beaches three hours away where thick black clouds were still visible.

From BBC

Related Words

• blot 
• smudge 
• stain 
• sully 
• tarnish