Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
blacken
This term describes a transition to darkness, whether through a physical application of pigment or a chemical reaction like combustion. It carries a heavy, often oppressive sensory quality, evoking images of soot, char, or deep ink. When used intransitively, it typically suggests a process of degradation or destruction, such as the scorching of material by fire.
In a social or professional context, the word shifts from a visual description to a moral one. It functions as a synonym for defamation, where the blackness represents a stain on one's character. This usage is more formal and carries a stronger sense of permanent damage than words like "criticize" or "discredit," implying a deliberate attempt to ruin a person's standing in the eyes of others.
Meanings
Examples
The soot from the chimney began to blacken the white walls of the cottage.
I will blacken the edges of the paper to give it an aged look.
He tried to blacken my name by spreading lies about my past.
Why would she try to blacken his reputation right before the election?
The scandal threatened to blacken the image of the entire organization.
The scandal threatened to blacken the image of the entire organization.
The silver began to blacken after being exposed to the air for too long.
The wood will blacken if you leave it over the open flame for too long.
Look at how the fruit has started to blacken and rot in the heat.