bruise

¹bruise

verb \ˈbrüz\

bruisedbruis·ing

Definition of BRUISE

transitive verb

1

a archaic : disable b : batter, dent

2

: to inflict a bruise on : contuse

3

: to break down (as leaves or berries) by pounding : crush

4

: wound, injure; especially : to inflict psychological hurt on <a bruised ego>

intransitive verb

1

: to inflict a bruise

2

: to undergo bruising <her skin bruises easily>

Examples of BRUISE

1. She bruised her knee when she fell.
2. I don't want to bruise anyone's feelings.

Origin of BRUISE

Middle English brusen, brisen, from Anglo-French & Old English; Anglo-French bruiser, briser to break, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish bruid he shatters; Old English brȳsan to bruise; akin to Old Irish bruid, Latin frustum piece

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with BRUISE

blues, booze, choose, cruise, cruse, Druze, flews, fuse, lose, Meuse, muse, news, ooze, Ouse, roose, ruse, schmooze, snooze, trews, use, whose