darken

dark·en

verb \ˈdär-kən\

dark·eneddark·en·ing \ˈdär-kə-niŋ\

Definition of DARKEN

intransitive verb

1

: to grow dark : become obscured <the skies were darkening>

2

: to become gloomy <his mood darkened>

transitive verb

1

: to make dark

2

: to make less clear : obscure <the financial crisis darkened the future of the company>

3

: taint, tarnish <darkened his reputation>

4

: to cast a gloom over

5

: to make of darker color

— dark·en·er \-kə-nər\ noun

Examples of DARKEN

1. The sky darkened and it started to rain.
2. Her face darkens to a deep red when she gets angry.
3. The wood will darken as it ages.
4. The bad news darkened his mood.
5. The last days of her life were darkened by illness.
6. His mood darkened after he heard the bad news.

First Known Use of DARKEN

14th century

Related to DARKEN

Synonyms

gloom, glower, lower (also lour)

Antonyms

brighten, cheer (up), lighten, perk (up)

Related Words

frown, scowl; glare, stare; brood, mope, pet, pout, sulk; anger, bristle, fume, rage, steam, storm; intimidate, menace, threaten

Near Antonyms

dawn; beam, glow, radiate, shine

Rhymes with DARKEN

hearken