bruise
/bɹuːz/verb
Elementary
1
To strike (a person), originally with something flat or heavy, but now specifically in such a way as to discolour the skin without breaking it; to contuse.
2
To damage the skin of (fruit or vegetables), in an analogous way.
3
Of fruit or vegetables, to gain bruises through being handled roughly.
4
To become bruised.
5
To fight with the fists; to box.
6
To harm or injure somebody's feelings or self-esteem.
7
To impair (gin) by shaking rather than stirring.
Sound Patterns & Rhymes
Alliteration
Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)
Assonance
Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing