darken

English

/ˈdɑɹkən/, /ˈdɑːkən/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To make dark or darker by reducing light.
  • (intransitive) To become dark or darker (having less light).
  • (impersonal) To get dark (referring to the sky, either in the evening or as a result of cloud).
  • (transitive) To make dark or darker in colour.
  • (intransitive) To become dark or darker in colour.
  • (transitive) To render gloomy, darker in mood.
  • (intransitive) To become gloomy, darker in mood.
  • (transitive) To blind, impair the eyesight.
  • (intransitive) To be blinded, lose one’s eyesight.
  • (transitive) To cloud, obscure, or perplex; to render less clear or intelligible.
  • (transitive) To make foul; to sully; to tarnish.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English derkenen derived from Old English *deorcnian inherited from *dirkinōn (darken) affix from English dark (hidden).

Origin

English

dark

Gloss

hidden

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms