blush

²blush

verb

Definition of BLUSH

intransitive verb

1

: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion

2

: to feel shame or embarrassment

3

: to have a rosy or fresh color : bloom

— blush·ing·ly \ˈblə-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of BLUSH

1. He blushed at the compliment.
2. I blush to admit it, but you've caught me in an error.

Origin of BLUSH

Middle English blusshen, from Old English blyscan to redden; akin to Old English blȳsa flame, Old High German bluhhen to burn brightly

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to BLUSH

Synonyms: bloom, color, crimson, flush, glow, redden, turn color

Related Words: incarnadine, rouge, ruddle; abash, chagrin, discomfit, disconcert, embarrass, faze, humiliate, mortify

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