bruise

[ brooz ]

verb (used with object)

, bruised, bruis·ing.

1. to injure by striking or pressing, without breaking the skin:

   The blow bruised his arm. Her pinching bruised the peaches.

2. to injure or hurt slightly, as with an insult or unkind remark:

   to bruise a person's feelings.

3. to crush (drugs or food) by beating or pounding.
4. Metalworking. to injure the surface of (an ingot or finished object) by collision.

verb (used without object)

, bruised, bruis·ing.

1. to develop or bear a discolored spot on the skin as the result of a blow, fall, etc.
2. to become injured slightly:

   His feelings bruise easily.

noun

1. an injury due to bruising; contusion.

bruise

/ bruːz /

verb

1. also intr to injure (tissues) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of tissues) to be injured in this way
2. to offend or injure (someone's feelings) by an insult, unkindness, etc
3. to damage the surface of (something), as by a blow
4. to crush (food, etc) by pounding or pressing

noun

1. a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration; contusion

Other Words From

• un·bruised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bruise¹

before 900; Middle English bro ( o ) sen, bres ( s ) en, bris ( s ) en, bruisen, representing Old English brȳsan, brēsan and Anglo-French bruser, Old French bruisier, akin to briser to break; brisance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bruise¹

Old English brӯsan , of Celtic origin; compare Irish brūigim I bruise

Example Sentences

"We think bruises are the problem but underhand psychological violence is the issue in many situations," she said.

From BBC

She had a bruise on her forehead and severe diaper rash with sores.

From Los Angeles Times

A paramedic who examined Ms Hand on the day after the alleged attacks said she had not seen a patient as bruised as Ms Hand was in a long time.

From BBC

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was examined for a concussion and suffered a season-ending spinal bruise in a defeat that epitomized the Rams’ historic hangover that followed their victory in Super Bowl LVI.

From Los Angeles Times

At a moment when his political fortunes are at an all-time low - following bruising parliamentary elections in July - the re-opening is a much-needed boost for morale.

From BBC

Related Words

• bang up
• batter
• blacken
• crush
• injure
• mar
• wound