Blur

Pronunciation

• IPA: /blÉœr/

Origin

Cognate to blear, the verb is from the noun.

Full definition of blur

Verb

1. To make indistinct or hazy, to obscure or dim.to blur a photograph by moving the camera while taking it
2. To smear, stain or smudge.to blur a manuscript by handling it while damp
3. (intransitive) To become indistinct.
4. To cause imperfection of vision in; to dim; to darken.
• J. R. DrakeHer eyes are blurred with the lightning's glare.
5. To sully; to stain; to blemish, as reputation.
• HudibrasSarcasms may eclipse thine own,
  But cannot blur my lost renown.

Noun

1. A smear, smudge or blot
2. Something that appears hazy or indistinct
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 26, Maccario, it was evident, did not care to take the risk of blundering upon a picket, and a man led them by twisting paths until at last the hacienda rose blackly before them. Appleby could see it dimly, a blur of shadowy buildings with the ridge of roof parapet alone cutting hard and sharp against the clearing sky.
• 2012, June 29, Kevin Mitchell, Roger Federer back from Wimbledon 2012 brink to beat Julien Benneteau, The fightback when it came was in the Federer fashion: unfussy, filled with classy strokes from the back with perfectly timed interventions at the net that confounded his opponent. The third set passed in a bit of a blur, the fourth, which led to the second tie-break, was the most dramatic of the match.
3. (obsolete) A moral stain or blot.
• UdallLest she ... will with her railing set a great blur on mine honesty and good name.

Derived terms

• motion blur

Anagrams

• burl