bruise

[ brooz ]
/ bruz /

verb (used with object), bruised, bruis·ing.

verb (used without object), bruised, bruis·ing.

to develop or bear a discolored spot on the skin as the result of a blow, fall, etc.
to become injured slightly: His feelings bruise easily.

noun

an injury due to bruising; contusion.

Origin of bruise

before 900; Middle English bro(o)sen, bres(s)en, bris(s)en, bruisen, representing Old English brȳsan, brēsan and Anglo-French bruser, Old French bruisier, akin to briser to break; see brisance

OTHER WORDS FROM bruise

un·bruised, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH bruise

brews bruise

Words nearby bruise

Example sentences from the Web for bruising

British Dictionary definitions for bruising (1 of 2)

bruising
/ (ˈbruːzɪŋ) /

adjective

causing bruises, as by a blow
aggressively antagonistic; hurtful four months of bruising negotiation

noun

a bruise or bruises

British Dictionary definitions for bruising (2 of 2)

bruise
/ (bruːz) /

verb (mainly tr)

(also intr) to injure (tissues) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of tissues) to be injured in this way
to offend or injure (someone's feelings) by an insult, unkindness, etc
to damage the surface of (something), as by a blow
to crush (food, etc) by pounding or pressing

noun

a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration; contusion

Word Origin for bruise

Old English brӯsan, of Celtic origin; compare Irish brūigim I bruise

Medical definitions for bruising

bruise
[ brōōz ]

n.

An injury to underlying tissues or bone in which the skin is unbroken, often characterized by ruptured blood vessels and discolorations; a contusion.