Blacken Meaning in English
word
Definition
To make something black or darker, usually by burning or staining; also used to mean damaging someone's reputation by saying false or unfair things.
Usage & Nuances
'Blacken' can be used for physical appearance (burnt food, smoke stains) and for ruining reputation (often in a formal or literary sense: 'blacken someone's name'). Not common in everyday speech for reputation damage—'slander' and 'defame' are more legal terms. Usually transitive.
Example Sentences
The smoke began to blacken the white walls.
basic
Overcooking will blacken the bread.
basic
He tried to blacken my name with lies.
basic
The fire completely blackened the kitchen ceiling.
natural
Some people will do anything to blacken a competitor’s reputation.
natural
Watch the grill—don’t let the fish blacken like last time!
natural