blur

Definition

To make indistinct or hazy, to obscure or dim.

Etymology

From earlier blurre, probably an alteration of blear, from Middle English bleren, from Old English *blerian (attested in āblered (“made bare, made bald”)), from Proto-West Germanic *blaʀjan, from Proto-Germanic *blazjaną (“to make pale”), from Proto-Germanic *blasaz (“pale”). Compare Scots blore, bloar (“to blur, cover with blots”), Low German bleeroged (“blear-eyed”). More at blear.

Example Sentences

• "to blur a photograph (by moving the camera while taking it)"
• "to blur a manuscript (by handling it while damp)"
• "His eyes are blurred with the lightning's glare."