bruise definition

An injury to the flesh of animals, or to plants, fruit, etc, with a blunt or heavy instrument, or by collision with some other body; a contusion; as, a bruise on the head; bruises on fruit. "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises." (Isa. I. 6)

1. To injure, as by a blow or collision, without laceration; to contuse; as, to bruise one's finger with a hammer; to bruise the bark of a tree with a stone; to bruise an apple by letting it fall.

2. To break; as in a mortar; to bray, as minerals, roots, etc.; to crush. "Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs." (Shak)

Synonyms: To pulverize, bray, triturate, pound, contuse.

Origin: OE. Brusen, brisen, brosen, bresen, AS. Brsan or fr. OF. Bruiser, bruisier, bruser, to break, shiver, perh. From OHG. Brochison. Cf. Break.

(01 Mar 1998)