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Definition of blacken

blacken

/ˈblæk.ən/
black · en
Adjective:blackened
•
Past Simple:blackened
•
Past Participle:blackened
•
Present Participle:blackening
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blacken Lexical Profile

blacken Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become black or dark in color, especially by burning, smudging, or bruising.

Example

"Soot from the old fireplace began to blacken the bricks above the mantel."

2

American To coat fish or meat with butter and Cajun spices before searing it at high heat in a cast-iron skillet until a dark crust forms.

Example

"The chef decided to blacken the catfish fillets with paprika, cayenne, and thyme."

3

To damage, sully, or defame someone's reputation or character.

Example

"His political rivals attempted to blacken his good name with unfounded rumors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for blacken

• Nearby Words

blackburn
blackcap
blackcurrant
blacken
blackened
blackface
blackfly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'black' (from Old English 'blæc', meaning dark) combined with the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Blacken. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/blacken
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