Flushed
/flʌʃt/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo become red in the face, usually because of heat, illness, or embarrassment.
/flʌʃt/
To become red in the face, often due to heat, emotion, or exertion.
She flushed crimson when the teacher called on her.
💡 Simply: When your face turns red because you're hot, embarrassed, or have been running around a lot, that means you're flushed! It's like your cheeks are blushing, but maybe because of something you did or because of how you feel.
👶 For kids: To turn red in the face, like when you're hot or feeling silly.
More Examples
Exercise caused her cheeks to flush.
He flushed with anger at the unfair accusation.
How It's Used
"After running a marathon, her face was flushed."
"He flushed with embarrassment when he realized his mistake."
To become suddenly filled with an emotion.
/flʌʃt/
To be filled with a sudden feeling or emotion.
His heart flushed with pride as he watched his daughter graduate.
💡 Simply: Imagine your feelings are like a wave of water. When a sudden emotion takes over, like happiness or excitement, you might feel a FLUSH of it.
👶 For kids: To suddenly feel a big feeling, like when you feel very happy.
More Examples
She flushed with excitement at the thought of her vacation.
The realization of his mistake flushed him with shame.
How It's Used
"Her heart flushed with joy at the news."
To clean out a toilet or drain with a strong flow of water; to wash something out.
/flʌʃt/
To clean or remove something with a strong flow of water.
Please flush the toilet after you're finished.
💡 Simply: Think about the toilet! When you push the handle and the water goes down, that's a FLUSH. It's like washing something away with a lot of water.
👶 For kids: To clean with water, like in the toilet.
More Examples
The plumber had to flush out the clogged pipes.
After taking the medicine, the doctor instructed the patient to flush their system with water.
How It's Used
"She flushed the toilet after using it."
"The doctor flushed the wound with saline."
Level or even with another surface; at the same height or level.
/flʌʃt/
Having a surface that is level or even with another surface.
The countertop is flush with the cabinets.
💡 Simply: Imagine two things, like a door and a wall. If they are perfectly lined up and on the same level, we say they are FLUSH.
👶 For kids: When two things are at the same level, like they are touching and not sticking out.
More Examples
The door handles are flush with the door.
The tiles are laid flush, creating a smooth surface.
How It's Used
"The door was installed flush with the wall."
Having an abundance of money or resources.
/flʌʃt/
He was feeling flush after winning the lottery.
💡 Simply: If you're FLUSH, it means you have a lot of money! Like, way more than you usually have.
👶 For kids: Having a lot of money.
More Examples
The company became flush with investments.
They were flush enough to buy a new car.
How It's Used
"After the deal, she was suddenly flush with cash."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
flush with
Filled or abundant with something, usually positive or desirable.
"The team was flush with confidence after their recent win."
From Middle English flushen, influenced by Old French flussier ('to flow'), related to Latin fluxus ('flowing'). The sense of reddening of the face developed from the physiological effect of blood rushing to the surface.
The term "flushed" has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to a reddening of the skin. Later, it expanded to include the cleaning action and the sense of being filled with an emotion or resource.
Memory tip
Imagine a toilet FLUSHING red dye into your face! (Think about the rush of blood)