bruise
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bruise, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A discoloured mark on the skin caused by a blow that damages blood vessels underneath without breaking the surface.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bruise
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English brȳsan, "to crush", blended with a related Old French word for breaking or smashing something.
Full origin of bruise →Frequently asked questions
What does “bruise” mean?
The word “bruise” means a discoloured mark on the skin caused by a blow that damages blood vessels underneath without breaking the surface. In plain terms, a dark mark left on skin (or fruit) by an impact, or the act of causing one — also used figuratively for hurt feelings.
How do you pronounce “bruise”?
“Bruise” is pronounced brooz (/bɹuːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “bruise” in a sentence?
Here is “bruise” used in a sentence: “He had a nasty bruise on his shin from bumping into the table.”
What is another word for “bruise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bruise” include contusion.
What part of speech is “bruise”?
Depending on how it is used, “bruise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bruise” come from?
The word “bruise” comes from Old French. From Old English brȳsan, "to crush", blended with a related Old French word for breaking or smashing something.
Is “bruise” a common word?
“Bruise” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “bruise” have?
“Bruise” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a discoloured mark on the skin caused by a blow that damages blood vessels underneath without breaking the surface.