transitive verb bruised, bruising bruis′·ing

1. to injure (body tissue), as by a blow, without breaking the skin but causing discoloration
2. to injure the surface or outside of, causing spoilage, denting, etc. bruised peaches, a bruised auto fender
3. to crush with or as with mortar and pestle
4. to hurt (the feelings, spirit, etc.)

Etymology: ME bruisen < OE brysan, to crush, pound < IE base *bhreus-, to smash, crush; ME form & meaning infl. by OFr bruisier, to break, shatter < Gaul *brus- < same IE base

intransitive verb

1. to bruise tissue, a surface, etc.
2. to be or become bruised

noun

1. a bruised area of tissue, of a surface, etc.
2. an injury to one's feelings, spirit, etc.