ˈdärkən, ˈdȧk- verb
( darkened ; darkened ; darkening -k(ə)niŋ ; darkens )
Etymology: Middle English derknen, darknen, from derk, adjective, dark + -nen -en
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to grow dark by diminution of light
the theater darkened and the play began
a cold winter evening darkening down
suddenly it darkened up and started to rain
b. : to become obscured
the memory of it darkens
2. : to undergo or exhibit an emotional, spiritual, or facial change usually of a disturbed or lowering nature
his expression darkened with anger
his voice darkened with the words
his face darkening with suspicion — Dorothy Sayers
3. : to grow dark or darker in shading or color
paper darkening at the margins
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make dark or darker by depriving of light
a cloud of locusts darkened the sky
darken a room by turning off the light
b. : to lessen (the illumination) by concealing or standing in the way
a figure darkened the lamplight on the porch — Ellen Glasgow
2. : taint , tarnish , befoul
covetousness darkened his mind
darkening a reputation with lies
an evil genius to darken the conscience of men and women — V.L.Parrington
3. : to make less clear : obscure
uncertainty darkens the future of radio and television — E.D.Canham
specifically : to hinder or retard the receptivity or vision of
superstitions darkening their minds
4. : to deprive (the eyes) in whole or in part of sight
age darkening his eyes
5. : to cast a gloom over
darken mirth
darken his hopes
: make unhappy or miserable
a life darkened by afflictions
specifically obsolete : to put (a person) in a position bereft of glory or recognition
6. : to give a dark shade to : turn into a dark color
fumes from nearby chimneys had darkened the statehouse dome
a sun- darkened plainsman — R.A.Billington
Synonyms: see obscure
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- darken one's door