Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove the colour from something; to make something lose its colour or become pale or white.

Usage

• This verb describes the action of causing an object to lose its original colour. It is often used in contexts involving chemical processes, exposure to light, or natural fading.
• It is typically followed by a direct object (the thing that loses its colour).
• Example: "The strong cleaning solution will discolourise the fabric if you're not careful."

Examples

• "Over decades, sunlight and pollution can discolourise historic stone monuments."
• "The laboratory procedure uses a chemical agent to discolourise the sample for clearer microscopic analysis."
• "Be careful not to discolourise the dyed wool when washing it."

Advanced Usage

• The process or result of becoming discolourised can be described as discolourisation (noun).
  • Example: "The discolourisation of the old photograph was due to improper storage."

Variants and Related Words

• Discolor (verb): A more common American English spelling with the same meaning.
• Discolour (verb): The standard British English spelling.
• Bleach (verb): A very common synonym, often implying the use of a chemical (like chlorine bleach) or strong sunlight to remove colour.
• Fade (verb): To gradually lose colour or brightness, often due to light or washing.
• Decolorize (verb): A technical synonym frequently used in scientific contexts.

Synonyms

• Bleach
• Fade
• Wash out
• Decolorize

Antonyms

• Colour
• Dye
• Stain
• Tint

Notes on Usage

• "Discolourise" is less common in everyday speech than synonyms like "bleach" or "fade." It is often found in more formal, technical, or British English contexts.
• The spelling "discolorize" follows American English conventions.

Verb

1. remove color from
   • The sun bleached the red shirt