blush

The word “blush” means to turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness. In plain terms, to go red in the face from embarrassment, or the redness itself.

“Blush” is pronounced BLUHSH (/ˈblʌʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “blush” used in a sentence: “He blushed when she complimented his singing.”

Words with a similar meaning to “blush” include flush, pinken and redden.

Depending on how it is used, “blush” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “blush” comes from Old English. From Old English blysian ("to be red, to shine"), ultimately related to words for "torch" and "burning.".

“Blush” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Blush” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to turn red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shame, or shyness.

Blush specifically refers to reddening of the face due to embarrassment, shame, or shyness, while flush can result from a wider range of causes including heat, exertion, anger, or excitement. Blush is almost always tied to an emotional reaction, whereas flush is more general.

Blush is primarily used for the face reddening from embarrassment or shyness, but it can also be used more broadly and poetically to describe things taking on a reddish or pink tinge, such as a sky or fruit. In cosmetics, "blush" also refers to a makeup product applied to the cheeks.

"Blush" as a noun or verb names the act or instance of reddening, while "blushing" is the present participle used as an adjective to describe someone currently in that state, as in "a blushing bride." Both relate to the same reaction of embarrassment or shyness causing facial reddening.