Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tool for spraying paint: An airbrush is a small device that uses compressed air to spray a fine, controlled mist of paint or other liquid.

2. Verb:

   • To paint or retouch using an airbrush: To apply paint or make alterations to a surface (like a photograph, painting, or object) using an airbrush tool.
   • To conceal or make to appear better: To alter an image or representation in order to hide flaws or create a perfected, often unrealistic, appearance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The artist used an airbrush to create smooth gradients on the canvas.
  • For detailed model kits, a good airbrush is essential.

• Verb:

  • She airbrushed the background to a solid blue.
  • The magazine was criticized for airbrushing the model's skin to remove all wrinkles.

Advanced Usage

• "to airbrush something out": To remove something from an image using an airbrush or digital equivalent.
  • In the official portrait, they airbrushed out the controversial symbol.
• "airbrushed history/reality": A metaphorical use meaning to present a sanitized or altered version of events.
  • The documentary claims the regime airbrushed the war's atrocities from its historical records.

Variants and Related Words

• Airbrushing (n): The technique or process of using an airbrush.
  • The photo required extensive airbrushing.
• Airbrushed (adj): Describing something that has been treated with an airbrush.
  • The ad featured an airbrushed version of the celebrity.

Synonyms

• Noun: Spray gun, atomizer.
• Verb: Retouch, touch up, photoshop (modern, digital context), embellish, gloss over.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "An airbrushed image": Often used critically to describe an idealized and artificially perfected representation.
  • We are constantly bombarded with airbrushed images of beauty that are unattainable.

Noun

1. an atomizer to spray paint by means of compressed air

Verb

1. paint with an airbrush
   • The old car looks like new now that we airbrushed it