First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1blemish
verb blem·ish \ˈble-mish\
: to make (something) imperfect or less beautiful : to hurt or damage the good condition of (something)
Full Definition of BLEMISH
transitive verb
: to spoil by a flaw
See blemish defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BLEMISH
Middle English blemisshen, to damage, injure, sully, from Anglo-French blemiss-, stem of blemir, blesmir, from Old French, literally, to make pale by wounding, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blasros horse with a blaze, Old Norse blesi blaze — more at blaze
Related to BLEMISH
Rhymes with BLEMISH
2blemish
noun
: a mark that makes something imperfect or less beautiful : an unwanted mark on the surface of something
: a fact or event that causes people to respect someone or something less
Full Definition of BLEMISH
: a noticeable imperfection; especially : one that seriously impairs appearance
See blemish defined for English-language learners
See blemish defined for kids
First Known Use of BLEMISH
1535
Related to BLEMISH
- Synonyms
- blight, blotch, defect, deformity, disfigurement, excrescence, excrescency, fault, flaw, imperfection, mar, mark, pockmark, scar
Other Medicine Terms
Rhymes with BLEMISH
BLEMISHED Defined for Kids
1blemish
noun blem·ish \ˈblem-ish\
Definition of BLEMISH for Kids
: a mark that makes something imperfect : an unwanted mark on a surface
2blemish
verb
blem·ishedblem·ish·ing
Definition of BLEMISH for Kids
: to spoil by or as if by an ugly mark <A scratch blemished the table.> <The loss blemished their record.>
Medical Dictionary
blemish
noun blem·ish \ˈblem-ish\
Medical Definition of BLEMISH
: a mark of physical deformity or injury: as a : any small mark on the skin (as a pimple or birthmark) <blemishes symptomatic of acne> b : a defect of an animal (as a horse) that detracts from its appearance but does not interfere with its usefulness
Learn More About BLEMISH
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up blemish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).