The act or process of making something black; often referring to the application of a dark substance to a surface, such as leather, metal, or wood. This can be done for aesthetic purposes (e.g., to darken or polish), for protection (e.g., against rust), or to improve functionality (e.g., increasing grip). The term can also broadly describe any process that intentionally makes something darker, including processes like staining, dyeing, or even figurative actions such as censorship or suppressing information. The specific meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used.
Blacking meaning with examples
- The cobbler spent hours applying shoe blacking to the leather boots, carefully buffing them to a high shine. This was a necessary step for preserving the leather and improving their appearance, making them look brand new. Without the blacking, the leather would have faded and cracked with wear. The process was time-consuming but he knew how to do it and the results were well worth it, protecting the boots from the elements.
- The blacksmith used a special type of blacking on the iron gate to prevent rust and enhance its durability. The blacking was applied after the metal had been shaped and cooled. The black coating also gave the gate a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing look. This type of blacking provided the best possible protection from the elements, extending the life of the wrought-iron gate for years to come.
- Before the election, the political candidate worried about the opposition’s potential to blacking his reputation through false accusations. The candidate was concerned that malicious rumors could spread through media and online forums. He worked hard to prepare a defence in case there was an attack. This form of 'blacking' aimed to ruin his chances of winning, relying on deceit to sabotage the campaign.
- The printing press used blacking on the rollers to apply ink to the paper and create the newspapers. The maintenance of the blacking was critical for quality printing. The printer made sure it was consistently applied to get the desired ink coverage. Without proper application of the blacking, the text and images would be faded and illegible. The careful process ensured high-quality print runs and a clear, crisp outcome for all of the printed material.
Blacking Synonyms
blackening coating coloring darkening dyeing obscuring polishing smearing staining suppressing varnishingBlacking Antonyms
bleaching clarifying cleansing exposing lightening revealing unveiling whiteningBlacking Crossword Answers
10 Letters
SHOEPOLISH