1 bruise | Definition of bruise

bruise

verb
\ ˈbrüz How to pronounce bruise (audio) \
bruised; bruising

Definition of bruise

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a archaic : disable
b : batter, dent bruise armor
2 : to inflict an injury involving rupture of small blood vessels and discoloration without a break in the overlying skin or a similar injury to plant tissue : to inflict a bruise (see bruise entry 2 sense 1) on : contuse bruised her arm when he grabbed her
3 : to break down (leaves, berries, etc.) by pounding : crush
4 : wound, injure especially : to inflict psychological hurt on The professional and personal tumbles that have bruised your ego in the past 12 months are over. New Woman

intransitive verb

1 : to inflict a bruise
2 : to bear or show the effects of a bruise : to undergo bruising her skin bruises easily