blush

blush — verb

1. If you blush, your cheeks suddenly go red because you feel shy, embarrassed, or

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

If you blush, your cheeks suddenly go red because you feel shy, embarrassed, or guilty.

Example

Priya blushed when the teacher praised her drawing in class.

blush when praise causes embarrassment

At Ravi's joke, even the strict coach blushed and looked away.

Common collocations
  • blush deeply
  • blush bright red
  • blush at a compliment
  • blush with embarrassment
Synonyms
  • flush

    often suggests a stronger or more sudden red colour

  • redden

    more neutral; it does not have to be caused by emotion

  • color

    more literary or old-fashioned in this meaning

Antonyms
  • pale

    suggests the face becoming lighter instead of red

Grammar Patterns

blush at something

blush with embarrassment

Usage Note

Usually intransitive. It often takes `at` to name the cause, and it strongly suggests an emotional reason, unlike `redden`, which can happen from heat, cold, or effort.

Common Mistakes

The joke blushed me.
The joke made me blush.
`blush` is usually intransitive.

blush — noun

Word family

  • blushing
    adjectiveB2
  • blusher
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

`Blush` is mainly about emotion: your face goes red because you feel shy, embarrassed, guilty, or suddenly noticed. `Flush` can be close, but it often sounds stronger or more physical, and it may happen from heat, anger, or running. `Redden` is broader and more neutral; cheeks can redden from cold wind or rough soap, so it does not always suggest feeling. `Glow` is usually positive and healthy, not embarrassed. `Color` in this sense is literary or old-fashioned. A useful memory is this: you `blush` when a class praises you, but your face `flushes` after climbing stairs.

flush ↗redden ↗glow ↗color ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The verb `blush` appeared in Middle English and is probably linked to an Old English word meaning "redden" or "glow." It belongs to an old Germanic family of words about shining or burning. The noun developed from the verb later. Early uses could mean a look or a brief gleam, and the modern idea of redness in the face became the main meaning over time.