noun
bruise
brooz
noun
1
A discoloured mark on the skin caused by a blow that damages blood vessels underneath without breaking the surface.
"He had a nasty bruise on his shin from bumping into the table."
verb
1
To cause this kind of mark by striking or knocking something.
"She bruised her arm falling off her bike."
2
To hurt someone's feelings or pride.
"The harsh review bruised his confidence."
How to Use Bruise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dark mark left on skin (or fruit) by an impact, or the act of causing one — also used figuratively for hurt feelings.
Common pairings
bruise easily
bruised ego
a bad bruise
Word Forms
bruised past tense, bruises plural, bruises singular
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He had a nasty _____ on his shin from bumping into the table.
Etymology
From Old English brȳsan, "to crush", blended with a related Old French word for breaking or smashing something.