First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bruise
verb \ˈbrüz\
: to cause a bruise on (part of a person's body, a piece of fruit, etc.)
: to get a bruise
: to hurt (someone's confidence, feelings, etc.) through speech or actions
bruisedbruis·ing
Full Definition of BRUISE
transitive verb
2
: to inflict a bruise on : contuse
3
: to break down (as leaves or berries) by pounding : crush
intransitive verb
1
: to inflict a bruise
2
: to undergo bruising <her skin bruises easily>
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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
2bruise
noun
: a dark and painful area on your skin that is caused by an injury
: a dark area on a plant or piece of fruit that has been damaged
Full Definition of BRUISE
1
a : an injury involving rupture of small blood vessels and discoloration without a break in the overlying skin : contusion b : a similar injury to plant tissue
3
: an injury especially to the feelings
See bruise defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BRUISE
1541
Related to BRUISE
- Synonyms
- contusion
BRUISE Defined for Kids
1bruise
verb \ˈbrüz\
bruisedbruis·ing
Definition of BRUISE for Kids
: to injure the flesh (as by a blow) without breaking the skin
2bruise
noun
Definition of BRUISE for Kids
: a black-and-blue spot on the body or a dark spot on fruit caused by an injury or damage
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