online medical dictionary | definition of blur

1. To render obscure by making the form or outline of confused and uncertain, as by soiling; to smear; to make indistinct and confused; as, to blur manuscript by handling it while damp; to blur the impression of a woodcut by an excess of ink. "But time hath nothing blurred those lines of favor Which then he wore." (Shak)

2. To cause imperfection of vision in; to dim; to darken. "Her eyes are blurred with the lightning's glare." (J. R. Drake)

3. To sully; to stain; to blemish, as reputation. "Sarcasms may eclipse thine own, But can not blur my lost renown." (Hudibras)

Synonyms: To spot, blot, disfigure, stain, sully.

Origin: Prob. Of same origin as blear. See Blear.

1. That which obscures without effacing; a stain; a blot, as upon paper or other substance. "As for those who cleanse blurs with blotted fingers, they make it worse." (Fuller)

2. A dim, confused appearance; indistinctness of vision; as, to see things with a blur; it was all blur.

3. A moral stain or blot. "Lest she . . . Will with her railing set a great blur on mine honesty and good name." (Udall)

(01 Mar 1998)