<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to injure by striking or pressing, without breaking the skin: The blow bruised his arm.</li><li>to injure or hurt slightly, as with an insult or unkind remark: to bruise a person's feelings.</li><li>to crush (drugs or food) by beating or pounding.</li><li>to injure the surface of (an ingot or finished object) by collision.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>blemish</li><li>spoil</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to develop or bear a discolored spot on the skin as the result of a blow, fall, etc.</li><li>to become injured slightly: His feelings bruise easily.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an injury due to bruising; contusion.</li></ul>