flush
UK[flʌʃ]US[flʌʃ]
v
to become red in the face, especially because you are embarrassed, angry, or hot
v
to clean something by causing water to pass through it
v
to force someone or something to leave a hiding place
adj
having a lot of money
adj
completely level or even with another surface
n
a red colour that appears on your face or body
n
the act of cleaning something with a sudden flow of water
Etymology
the etymology of 'flush' is complex and likely represents a convergence of several distinct words. one probable origin is the middle english 'flushen', meaning 'to fly up suddenly', which may be imitative of the sound of wings. this sense of sudden movement evolved into meanings like 'to cause to fly' (as in flushing birds from cover) and 'to flow suddenly and vigorously' (as in flushing a toilet). the meaning 'to turn red' developed in the 16th century, likely from the sensation of blood rushing to the skin's surface, mirroring the concept of a sudden flow. the adjective meaning 'abundant with money' arose in the 18th century from the idea of being 'full to overflowing' with cash, completing the word's journey from literal sudden motion to various abstract states of abundance and visibility.
Analysis
the word 'flush' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely imitative or onomatopoeic in nature. its various meanings developed from the core idea of a sudden movement or flow.
Examples
embarrassment made her flush deeply.
please flush the toilet after use.
after winning the lottery, he was flush with cash for years.