WordWealth: blush

blush ('bl&sh), v.i.

1. to redden, as from embarrassment or shame: He blushed when they called him a conquering hero; 2. to feel shame or embarrassment (often fol. by at or for): Your behavior makes me blush for your poor mother; 3. (of the sky, flowers, etc.) to become rosy; 4. (of new house paint or lacquer) to become cloudy or dull through moisture or excessive evaporation of solvents.

–v.t.

5. to make red; flush; 6. to make known by a blush: She could not help blushing the truth.

–n.

7. a reddening, as of the face; 8. rosy or pinkish tinge; 9. blusher (def. 2); 10. Also called blush' wine'. rosé; 11. at first blush, without previous knowledge or adequate consideration; at first glance: At first blush, the solution to the problem seemed simple enough; [1275–1325; (v.) ME bluschen, OE blyscan to redden; akin to OE blysa, ON blys, MLG blus torch, bloschen to blaze; (n.) ME blusch, blisch, deriv. of the v.] (Random House Webster's, Unabridged). Look at Thesaurus

The first blush of peace in this city is particularly welcome to residents who have missed using the central park, a graceful retreat of green trees, sand pits and slides that had long been too dangerous for residents to frequent for fear of ambush by soldiers.., —— 'Indonesian Province Enjoying First Signs of Peace', The New York Times, Jan. 12 2003

Turgot was all that a successful courtier should not be. Large and fat, with regular and quite distinguished features, he was nevertheless a shy and awkward bachelor who blushed easily.  —— Ministry from Turgot, Anne-Robert-Jacques

He called Bush's dealings appalling. "Even Kazakhstan," he said, "would blush at such practices." What sort of offense, exactly, did Bush commit? "Mr. Bush and the Rangers' owners conspired with city officials to seize private property that would be handed over to the Bush group. —— Bush's Landgrab—and The New York Times'; D.C. Dispatch, July 30, 2002

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