airbrush
airbrush Lexical Profile
airbrush Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To alter or touch up a photograph or image in order to conceal imperfections or enhance its appearance.
"The magazine cover was heavily airbrushed to remove any blemishes from the actor's skin."
To paint, decorate, or coat a surface using an airbrush.
"She airbrushed a custom flame design onto the side of the motorcycle."
To misrepresent or conceal unpleasant facts in order to present a more favorable or sanitized impression (used figuratively).
"The dictator attempted to airbrush his political rivals out of the nation's official history."
• noun
A small, pen-like, compressed-air tool used to atomize and spray liquid media such as paint, dye, or ink onto a surface.
"The model maker used an airbrush to achieve a perfectly smooth, even coat of paint on the miniature."
• Rhymes for airbrush
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of 'air' and 'brush', originally referring to the tool patented in 1876 that uses compressed air to atomize and spray paint.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.