First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1blush
noun \ˈbləsh\
: the red color that spreads over your face when you are ashamed, embarrassed, confused, etc.
: a slight red or pink color
: a cream or powder that some people put on their cheeks to make their cheeks pink or reddish
Full Definition of BLUSH
1
: outward appearance : view <at first blush>
2
: a reddening of the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
3
: a red or rosy tint
4
: a cosmetic applied to the face to give a usually pink color or to accent the cheekbones
— blush·ful \-fəl\ adjective
See blush defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BLUSH
Middle English, probably from blusshen
2blush
verb
: to become red in your face because you are ashamed, embarrassed, confused, etc.
: to be embarrassed
Full Definition of BLUSH
intransitive verb
1
: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
2
: to feel shame or embarrassment
See blush defined for English-language learners
See blush defined for kids
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
BLUSH Defined for Kids
1blush
verb \ˈbləsh\
blushedblush·ing
Definition of BLUSH for Kids
1
: to become red in the face from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
2
: to feel ashamed or embarrassed <… the explanation is one that I blush to have to offer you. — Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped>
2blush
noun
plural blush·es
Definition of BLUSH for Kids
1
: a reddening of the face from shame, confusion, or embarrassment
2
: a rosy color
Medical Dictionary
blush
intransitive verb \ˈbləsh\
Medical Definition of BLUSH
: to become red in the face especially from shame, modesty, or confusion
—blush noun
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