Definition

Adjective: 1. Reddened in the face: Having a red or warm complexion, typically as a result of strong emotion (such as anger, embarrassment, or excitement), physical exertion, fever, or consuming alcohol. 2. Having a healthy glow: Exhibiting a rosy, warm color in the skin, often indicating good health or vitality. 3. Flooded or rinsed with liquid: (Less common) Thoroughly washed out or cleansed by a rapid flow of water.

Usage and Examples

• From emotion:
  • She was flushed with embarrassment after tripping on stage.
  • His face became flushed with anger during the argument.
• From physical exertion:
  • The runners were hot and flushed after the marathon.
  • Her cheeks were flushed from the intense workout.
• Indicating health:
  • The baby had a flushed, healthy appearance after her nap.
  • He returned from his vacation looking flushed and well-rested.
• (Less common) From illness or fever:
  • The patient's skin was hot and flushed, a sign of a high fever.

Advanced Usage

• "Flushed with success/pride/victory": This idiom describes the excited, pleased, and often confident feeling that comes from a recent achievement. The redness is metaphorical, representing the warmth of the emotion.
  • The team was flushed with victory after winning the championship.

Variants and Related Words

• Flush (verb): To cause to redden; to become red. (e.g., ) Also means to cleanse with a rush of water.
• Flush (noun): A reddening of the face; a sudden rush of emotion. (e.g., ) Also means a hand in poker where all cards are of the same suit.
• Flushing (noun/gerund): The act of becoming red or the act of rinsing with water.

Synonyms

• Reddened
• Rosy
• Blushing
• Crimson
• Ruddy (often for a healthy, reddish complexion)
• Florid (can describe a reddish complexion, sometimes excessively so)

Antonyms

• Pale
• Ashen
• Wan
• Pallid

Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• Flush out: To force something or someone out into the open. (Note: This is a phrasal verb using "flush," not directly "flushed." It is related to the "cleansing with water" meaning).
  • The police tried to flush out the suspect from his hiding place.

Adjective

1. (especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion
   • crimson with fury
   • turned red from exertion
   • with puffy reddened eyes
   • red-faced and violent
   • flushed (or crimson) with embarrassment
2. having the pinkish flush of health