bruise
bruise Lexical Profile
bruise Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels without breaking the skin.
"The athlete had a dark purple bruise on his shin after the soccer match."
A damaged, softened, or discolored area on the skin or flesh of a fruit, vegetable, or plant caused by pressure or impact.
"She carefully inspected the peaches at the market to make sure none of them had a bruise."
An emotional hurt or injury inflicted upon someone's pride, feelings, or reputation.
"Losing the championship was a severe bruise to the team's confidence."
• verb
To inflict an injury on someone or something that causes a discolored mark without breaking the skin, or to show the effects of such an injury.
"Peaches and ripe bananas bruise easily if they are packed at the bottom of a grocery bag."
To hurt or offend someone's feelings, pride, or sensibilities.
"The harsh review from the panel seemed to bruise the young author's ego."
To crush or pound ingredients (such as herbs, spices, or aromatics) lightly in order to release their flavor and aroma.
"Be sure to bruise the mint leaves gently with a muddler before adding the lime juice."
• Rhymes for bruise
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English brusen, representing a merger of Old English brysan ('to crush, shatter') and Old French bruisier ('to break, smash'), which is probably of Gaulish (Celtic) origin.