blister en 30 segundos
- To blister means to cause bubbles on skin or surfaces via heat or friction.
- It is also used figuratively to describe delivering a harsh, stinging verbal attack.
- Commonly seen in medical, industrial, sports, and political news contexts.
- The word implies intensity, pain, and a visible or felt reaction to stress.
The verb blister is a dynamic word that transitions from a very literal, physical process to a sharp, figurative action. At its most basic level, to blister means to cause the formation of small bubbles or pockets of fluid (blisters) on a surface. This is most commonly associated with human skin or industrial surfaces like paint and wood. When you work too hard with a shovel without gloves, the friction will blister your palms. Similarly, when extreme heat or moisture trapped beneath a layer of paint expands, it will blister the coating, causing it to lift away from the wall. This physical sense is rooted in the idea of pressure or heat creating a separation between layers.
- Physical Manifestation
- The process where heat, friction, or chemical exposure causes the top layer of a material to bubble up.
Beyond the physical, 'blister' takes on a powerful figurative meaning: to subject someone to intense, harsh, or stinging criticism. Imagine the heat required to make skin bubble; now apply that intensity to words. When a politician gives a speech that 'blisters' their opponent, they are not just disagreeing; they are using words so sharp and 'hot' that they metaphorically burn. This usage is common in journalism, sports commentary, and high-stakes debates. It implies a level of severity that goes beyond mere complaining or critiquing.
The intense summer sun began to blister the old wooden siding of the farmhouse.
In technical contexts, particularly in chemistry and manufacturing, 'blistering' is a specific type of failure. For example, in the production of semiconductors or composite materials, unwanted gases can 'blister' the substrate, leading to structural defects. This reinforces the core concept of the word: internal pressure or external trauma causing a surface deformity. Whether you are talking about a marathon runner's feet or a film critic's review of a bad movie, the word 'blister' always carries a connotation of intensity and painful transformation.
Finally, the word is often used in the present participle form, blistering, to describe speed or heat. A 'blistering pace' is one so fast it feels like it might cause friction burns. This versatility makes 'blister' an essential verb for learners reaching the B2 level and beyond, as it allows for both precise technical description and vivid, descriptive storytelling.
Using 'blister' correctly requires understanding whether you are describing a physical reaction or a verbal attack. As a transitive verb, it requires an object. For instance, 'The steam blistered his hand.' Here, the steam is the agent causing the bubbles. However, it can also be used intransitively, where the surface itself is the subject: 'The paint began to blister in the humidity.' In this case, the focus is on the change occurring to the paint itself. This flexibility is key to using the word naturally in different contexts.
- Transitive Usage
- Subject (Agent) + Blister + Object (Surface). Example: 'The harsh chemicals blistered the metal.'
When moving into the figurative realm, the structure remains largely transitive. You 'blister' a person, a policy, or a performance. It is a strong verb, so it usually doesn't need many adverbs. Saying someone 'harshly blistered' a report is slightly redundant, as 'blister' already implies harshness. Instead, focus on the context of the criticism. Was it a 'blistering' review in a newspaper, or did the coach 'blister' the team during halftime? The imagery of heat and pain should guide your choice of when to deploy this word over milder alternatives like 'criticize' or 'rebuke'.
The coach proceeded to blister the players for their lack of effort in the first half.
In the passive voice, the word is equally effective. 'The wood was blistered by the fire' or 'The senator was blistered by the media.' This construction emphasizes the result of the action rather than the cause. It is particularly useful in reporting or scientific writing where the outcome on the surface or person is the primary concern. Remember that the past participle 'blistered' often functions as an adjective, as in 'blistered feet' or 'blistered Earth,' describing a state of being rather than an ongoing action.
Finally, consider the prepositional phrases that often accompany 'blister'. We often blister *with* something (heat, anger, words) or blister *from* something (friction, exposure). 'His skin blistered from the sun' is a common way to express the cause-and-effect relationship. Mastering these small connectors will help you integrate 'blister' into your vocabulary with the nuance of a native speaker.
You will encounter the verb 'blister' in a variety of specific environments. In medical settings, doctors and nurses use it to describe the symptoms of second-degree burns or allergic reactions. 'The patient's skin has started to blister, indicating a more severe reaction to the ointment,' is a sentence you might hear in a clinical report. It is a precise term that distinguishes a simple rash from a more serious tissue separation.
- Domain: Construction & DIY
- Used to describe failures in paint, varnish, or roofing materials due to trapped moisture or heat.
In the world of sports, the word is ubiquitous, though often in its adjective form. However, as a verb, you might hear it in post-game analysis. 'The winger's speed really blistered the defense in the final quarter,' suggests the runner moved so fast it 'burned' the opposing players. It conveys a sense of overwhelming power and speed. Similarly, in baseball, a pitcher might 'blister' a fastball, meaning they threw it with exceptional velocity and 'heat'.
Critics were quick to blister the director's latest film for its incoherent plot.
Journalism and political commentary are perhaps the richest sources for the figurative use of 'blister'. Headlines often read like 'Opposition Leader Blisters Government Over New Tax Policy.' This usage creates a sense of drama and conflict, signaling to the reader that the criticism was not just a polite disagreement but a scathing, high-intensity attack. It’s a word that sells newspapers because it implies passion and force.
Lastly, you might hear it in casual conversation among hikers or athletes. 'I didn't break in my boots, and now they're starting to blister my heels.' This is the most relatable, everyday use of the word, focusing on the immediate physical discomfort caused by friction. Whether in a high-stakes political debate or a simple conversation about shoes, 'blister' remains a vivid and essential part of the English lexicon.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the noun 'blister' with the verb 'blister'. While they are related, the verb describes the *action* of the bubble forming or the *action* of criticizing. For example, saying 'I have a blister on my hand' is correct (noun), but 'I blistered my hand' (verb) describes how it happened. Using the verb correctly helps you explain the *cause* of the injury, not just the presence of it.
- Mistake: Over-adverbializing
- Avoid saying 'He blistered him very badly.' The verb 'blister' is already intense; 'He blistered him' is sufficient.
Another common mistake is misusing the figurative sense in a positive context. 'Blister' is almost exclusively negative when referring to criticism. You wouldn't 'blister' someone with praise. If you want to describe intense praise, you might use 'shower' or 'laud'. 'Blister' implies a burning, painful experience, so it must be reserved for attacks, rebukes, or harsh evaluations. Using it for positive feedback would confuse a native speaker.
Incorrect: The teacher blistered the student for her excellent work. (Should be: The teacher praised the student.)
Learners also sometimes struggle with the intransitive use. They might think 'blister' always needs an object. However, sentences like 'The paint is blistering' are perfectly correct and common. You don't always need to identify the heat or moisture; you can simply describe the state of the surface. Conversely, don't forget the object when using it figuratively. You don't just 'blister' in a vacuum; you blister *the opposition* or *the plan*.
Finally, be careful with the word 'blistering' as an adverb. While 'blistering hot' is common, 'blistering' by itself usually functions as an adjective ('a blistering pace'). Ensure that your sentence structure supports the part of speech you've chosen. Misplacing these can make a sentence feel clunky or grammatically 'off' to a native ear.
When looking for synonyms for 'blister', it’s important to match the intensity and the context. For the physical sense of surface deformation, 'bubble' is a gentler alternative. While 'blister' implies heat or trauma, 'bubble' can be more neutral. For example, 'The wallpaper began to bubble' sounds less severe than 'The wallpaper began to blister.' 'Peel' and 'flake' are also related but describe the stage *after* blistering, when the surface actually comes off.
- Blister vs. Scathe
- 'Scathe' is strictly figurative and literary. 'Blister' is more versatile and common in modern speech.
In the figurative sense of criticism, 'excoriate' is a sophisticated synonym. It literally means to strip the skin off, making it a perfect parallel to 'blister'. However, 'excoriate' is much more formal and usually found in high-level academic or journalistic writing. 'Lambaste' and 'castigate' are also strong alternatives that imply a severe verbal beating. If the criticism is sharp but perhaps less 'hot,' you might use 'slam' or 'blast,' which are very common in tabloid headlines.
While a critic might slam a movie, a truly offended one will blister the production with vitriol.
Another interesting comparison is with the word 'scald'. Like 'blister', 'scald' involves heat and liquid. However, 'scald' usually refers to the damage done by hot liquid or steam specifically, whereas 'blister' refers to the resulting bubble. Figuratively, you can also 'scald' someone with words, but 'blister' remains the more common choice for describing a comprehensive and painful critique. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact 'temperature' of the word you need.
For speed, 'blistering' is often compared to 'breakneck' or 'scorching'. A 'breakneck pace' implies danger, while a 'blistering pace' implies heat and friction. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the risk of the speed or the sheer intensity and effort involved. By expanding your range of alternatives, you can avoid overusing 'blister' while still capturing its powerful imagery.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
While we use 'blister' for skin today, in the 14th century it was often used to describe any kind of swelling on the surface of the earth or plants.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ee' (bleester).
- Putting stress on the second syllable (blis-TER).
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'bluster' (using a short 'u' sound).
Nivel de dificultad
Common in news and literature, easy to recognize.
Requires understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive use.
Natural figurative use marks a high-level speaker.
Clear pronunciation, usually distinct in context.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Causative Verbs
The heat made the paint blister.
Transitive vs Intransitive
I blistered my hand (T) vs My hand blistered (I).
Participles as Adjectives
A blistering sun.
Passive Voice for Effects
The wall was blistered by the fire.
Prepositional Phrases of Cause
Blister from the sun.
Ejemplos por nivel
The hot soup can blister your tongue.
La soupe chaude peut vous brûler la langue.
Modal verb 'can' + base verb 'blister'.
New shoes often blister my heels.
Les chaussures neuves me font souvent des ampoules aux talons.
Present simple tense for a recurring action.
Do not touch the iron; it will blister you.
Ne touchez pas le fer ; il va vous brûler.
Future tense with 'will' to show a result.
The sun can blister your skin in summer.
Le soleil peut vous brûler la peau en été.
Direct object 'your skin' follows the verb.
I ran fast and my feet started to blister.
J'ai couru vite et mes pieds ont commencé à avoir des ampoules.
Infinitive 'to blister' after the verb 'started'.
The fire made the paint blister.
Le feu a fait cloquer la peinture.
Causative structure: make + object + base verb.
Be careful, the steam will blister your hand.
Attention, la vapeur va vous brûler la main.
Future tense used for warning.
His skin began to blister after the burn.
Sa peau a commencé à cloquer après la brûlure.
Intransitive use; the skin is the subject.
The intense heat blistered the old wooden door.
La chaleur intense a fait cloquer la vieille porte en bois.
Past simple tense with a clear physical cause.
If you don't wear gloves, the rope will blister your hands.
Si tu ne portes pas de gants, la corde va t'irriter les mains.
Conditional sentence (Type 1).
The paint on the car started to blister in the sun.
La peinture de la voiture a commencé à cloquer au soleil.
Intransitive use in the past tense.
I used a heavy shovel and it blistered my palms.
J'ai utilisé une pelle lourde et elle m'a donné des ampoules aux paumes.
Transitive use where 'it' (the shovel) is the subject.
The chemical was strong enough to blister the plastic.
Le produit chimique était assez fort pour faire cloquer le plastique.
'Enough to' + infinitive 'blister'.
The sun's rays blistered the leaves of the plant.
Les rayons du soleil ont brûlé les feuilles de la plante.
Using 'blister' for biological surfaces other than skin.
Does the cold weather ever blister the bark of trees?
Est-ce que le froid fait parfois éclater l'écorce des arbres ?
Question form in the present simple.
The hot oil blistered his finger instantly.
L'huile chaude lui a instantanément brûlé le doigt.
Adverb 'instantly' modifying the verb.
The blistering sun continued to beat down on the desert.
Le soleil brûlant continuait de taper sur le désert.
Present participle 'blistering' used as an adjective.
Moisture trapped under the floorboards can blister the finish.
L'humidité piégée sous les planchers peut faire cloquer la finition.
Modal 'can' expressing possibility.
He was afraid the criticism would blister his reputation.
Il craignait que la critique n'entache sa réputation.
Figurative use beginning to emerge at B1.
The athlete's speed was so great it seemed to blister the track.
La vitesse de l'athlète était si grande qu'elle semblait brûler la piste.
Metaphorical use for speed.
If the oven is too hot, it will blister the crust of the bread.
Si le four est trop chaud, il fera cloquer la croûte du pain.
Describing a cooking process.
The wallpaper began to blister due to the damp walls.
Le papier peint a commencé à cloquer à cause de l'humidité des murs.
'Due to' explaining the cause of the blistering.
She blistered the surface of the wood with a blowtorch.
Elle a fait cloquer la surface du bois avec un chalumeau.
Intentional action using a tool.
The medicine might blister your skin if you are allergic.
Le médicament pourrait vous brûler la peau si vous êtes allergique.
Modal 'might' for potential side effects.
The editorial blistered the senator for his recent comments.
L'éditorial a vivement critiqué le sénateur pour ses récents commentaires.
Standard figurative use for harsh criticism.
His latest novel was blistered by critics for its lack of depth.
Son dernier roman a été fustigé par la critique pour son manque de profondeur.
Passive voice: 'was blistered by'.
The coach blistered the team after their embarrassing defeat.
L'entraîneur a passé un savon à l'équipe après leur défaite embarrassante.
Figurative use in a social/professional context.
The heat was enough to blister the paint off the old shed.
La chaleur était suffisante pour faire décoller la peinture de la vieille remise.
Phrasal-like construction 'blister the paint off'.
The report blistered the company's safety records.
Le rapport a violemment dénoncé les dossiers de sécurité de l'entreprise.
Figurative use targeting an abstract concept (records).
She gave a blistering speech that blistered the opposition.
Elle a prononcé un discours cinglant qui a fustigé l'opposition.
Using both adjective and verb forms for emphasis.
The acid rain will eventually blister the stone statues.
La pluie acide finira par faire cloquer les statues de pierre.
Future tense for long-term environmental effects.
The sun blistered the earth during the long drought.
Le soleil a brûlé la terre pendant la longue sécheresse.
Personification of the sun as an active agent.
The prosecutor blistered the witness during the cross-examination.
Le procureur a accablé le témoin lors du contre-interrogatoire.
Figurative use in a formal legal context.
Technical defects caused the coating to blister under high pressure.
Des défauts techniques ont provoqué le cloquage du revêtement sous haute pression.
Technical/scientific use in a complex sentence.
He blistered the pages of his diary with angry, ink-heavy words.
Il a marqué les pages de son journal de mots colériques et chargés d'encre.
Poetic/literary use of the verb.
The social media backlash blistered the celebrity's public image.
Le contrecoup sur les réseaux sociaux a laminé l'image publique de la célébrité.
Modern context for figurative criticism.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can blister even the most resilient polymers.
Les fluctuations de température extrêmes peuvent faire cloquer même les polymères les plus résilients.
Advanced scientific vocabulary ('fluctuations', 'polymers').
The documentary blistered the industry for its environmental negligence.
Le documentaire a fustigé l'industrie pour sa négligence environnementale.
Figurative use for systemic critique.
His palms were blistered from hours of rowing against the current.
Ses paumes étaient couvertes d'ampoules après des heures à ramer à contre-courant.
Passive construction used to describe a state resulting from effort.
The review blistered the play, calling it a 'theatrical catastrophe'.
La critique a démoli la pièce, la qualifiant de 'catastrophe théâtrale'.
Reporting speech and criticism simultaneously.
The scathing critique blistered the architect's ego more than his professional standing.
La critique cinglante a plus entamé l'ego de l'architecte que son statut professionnel.
Nuanced figurative use targeting an abstract internal state.
Hydrogen embrittlement can cause the metal to blister internally before failing.
La fragilisation par l'hydrogène peut provoquer un cloquage interne du métal avant la rupture.
Highly technical engineering context.
She blistered the very foundations of his argument with a single question.
Elle a ébranlé les fondements mêmes de son argument par une seule question.
Metaphorical use for intellectual deconstruction.
The volcanic heat was so intense it began to blister the protective gear of the researchers.
La chaleur volcanique était si intense qu'elle a commencé à faire cloquer l'équipement de protection des chercheurs.
Complex situational description.
The satirical essay blistered the hypocrisy of the ruling class.
L'essai satirique a fustigé l'hypocrisie de la classe dirigeante.
Academic/Literary critique context.
Decades of neglect had allowed the salt air to blister the facade of the coastal villa.
Des décennies de négligence avaient permis à l'air salin de faire cloquer la façade de la villa côtière.
Past perfect tense combined with environmental description.
The general blistered his subordinates for the strategic oversight.
Le général a vertement réprimandé ses subordonnés pour l'oubli stratégique.
Figurative use in a high-authority context.
To blister a surface is often the first step in its ultimate disintegration.
Cloquer une surface est souvent la première étape de sa désintégration finale.
Philosophical/General truth statement using the infinitive.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To begin the process of bubble formation.
If you keep rubbing that spot, it will start to blister.
— To develop surface bubbles due to solar heat.
The old deck began to blister in the sun.
— To scold someone very harshly (old-fashioned).
My grandmother would blister my ears if she caught me lying.
— A very negative and harsh evaluation.
The movie received a blistering review from the local critic.
— Extremely hot, enough to cause physical pain.
The sand on the beach was blistering hot.
— The formation of skin bubbles due to rubbing.
His heels began to blister from friction against his boots.
— To criticize with extreme bitterness or malice.
The article blistered with vitriol against the former president.
— To ruin the top coating of furniture or a car.
The spilled solvent will blister the finish of the table.
— A technical term for surface failure under stress.
The pipes began to blister under the extreme pressure.
— To use very foul or angry language.
His swearing seemed to blister the air around him.
Se confunde a menudo con
Bluster means to speak loudly and boastfully, but without much effect. Blister is about painful criticism or bubbles.
Cluster means a group of things. Blister is a bubble or an attack.
Often used as an adjective, but 'blister' is the base verb.
Modismos y expresiones
— An extremely fast speed, usually in racing or work.
The project moved at a blistering pace to meet the deadline.
neutral— A sudden and very harsh verbal or written criticism.
The senator launched a blistering attack on the new policy.
journalistic— Weather that is intensely and painfully hot.
We spent the day hiding from the blistering heat.
common— A very loud and angry argument.
They had a blistering row in the middle of the street.
informal (UK)— A performance (sports or art) that is remarkably fast or intense.
The pianist gave a blistering performance of the concerto.
enthusiastic— A sharp and painful rejection.
Her proposal met with a blistering rebuff from the board.
formal— Sarcasm that is particularly biting and hurtful.
He was known for his blistering sarcasm in the classroom.
neutral— A statement or event that strongly highlights how bad something is.
The report was a blistering indictment of the healthcare system.
formal/journalistic— To be incredibly loud, angry, or intense.
His shouting could blister the paint off a barn.
idiomatic/informal— Velocity that is almost too fast to track.
The jet crossed the sky at blistering speed.
neutralFácil de confundir
Both involve heat and skin damage.
Scald is specifically from hot liquid/steam. Blister is the result (the bubble) regardless of the cause.
The steam scalded him, and then his skin began to blister.
Both involve high heat.
Sear is a surface burn that dries or hardens. Blister creates a fluid-filled bubble.
The fire seared the meat but blistered the chef's hand.
Both describe surface changes.
Peeling is the skin coming off. Blistering is the bubble forming before it peels.
First the paint will blister, then it will start to peel.
Both describe the shape.
Bubble is a general term. Blister usually implies pain, heat, or damage.
The soap will bubble, but the acid will blister the floor.
Both used for harsh criticism.
Scathe is almost always used as 'scathing' (adj). Blister is frequently used as a verb.
He blistered the director with a scathing review.
Patrones de oraciones
It will blister [body part].
It will blister your hand.
The [subject] blistered the [object].
The sun blistered the paint.
Something started to blister.
The wallpaper started to blister.
[Person] blistered [Person] for [Reason].
The boss blistered him for being late.
The [Noun] was blistered by [Agent].
The report was blistered by the media.
To blister [Abstract Noun] is to [Action].
To blister his ego is to destroy his confidence.
At a blistering [Noun].
At a blistering speed.
Blistering [Weather].
Blistering heat.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common in journalism, sports, and technical manuals.
-
Using 'blister' for mild criticism.
→
Using 'criticize' or 'disagree'.
Blister implies a high level of intensity and pain.
-
The sun blistered on the paint.
→
The sun blistered the paint.
When the sun is the agent, 'blister' needs a direct object.
-
I have a blistering on my foot.
→
I have a blister on my foot.
Use the noun 'blister' for the bubble itself.
-
He blistered me with praise.
→
He showered me with praise.
'Blister' is only used for negative/harsh feedback.
-
The water blistered my tongue.
→
The hot water blistered my tongue.
Water itself doesn't blister; heat or chemicals do.
Consejos
Intensity
Use 'blister' when you want to emphasize that the heat or the criticism was painful.
Transitivity
Remember that you can say 'I blistered' (incorrect) only if you mean you are forming bubbles. Usually, you say 'My feet blistered'.
Synonym Choice
Use 'excoriate' for formal writing and 'blister' for more descriptive, vivid storytelling.
The 'R'
In US English, make sure to pronounce the final 'r' clearly.
Workplace
Be careful blistering a colleague; it is a very strong word for a professional setting.
Metaphors
Use 'blister' to create metaphors involving heat, fire, or pressure.
News Headlines
When you see 'blisters' in a headline, look for the person being criticized.
Medical
In medical contexts, 'blister' is more serious than a 'rash'.
Descriptive
Instead of 'very fast', try 'at a blistering pace' to sound more advanced.
Barnacles
Remember 'blistering barnacles' is a famous fictional exclamation!
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a **Blister** as a **B**ubble that appears when things get **L**iterally **I**ntense, **S**corching, or **T**erribly **E**nergetic and **R**ough.
Asociación visual
Imagine a wall of paint where the sun is so hot that the paint starts to lift up like a tiny dome—that is the paint blistering.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to write a sentence that uses 'blister' as a verb for a physical object and 'blistering' as an adjective for a person's mood.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from Middle English 'blister', which likely came from Old French 'blestre' (meaning a lump or bump). It is also related to the Old Norse 'blāstr' meaning a blowing or a swelling.
Significado original: The original meaning referred to a swelling on the skin, specifically one caused by a blow or a burn.
Germanic/Indo-European with some Romance influence via Old French.Contexto cultural
Be careful when using 'blister' to describe medical conditions; ensure it is appropriate for the severity described.
The word is frequently used in 'tabloid' journalism to make stories seem more dramatic.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Medical/First Aid
- blister the skin
- prevent blistering
- drain a blister
- blistered area
Home Improvement
- paint starts to blister
- moisture blisters
- blistering varnish
- fix blistered wood
Politics/News
- blistering attack
- blister the government
- blistering report
- blistered by critics
Sports
- blistering pace
- blistering speed
- blistering shot
- blistering heat
Cooking
- blister the peppers
- blister the crust
- blistering hot oil
- steam can blister
Inicios de conversación
"Have you ever had a pair of shoes that really blistered your feet?"
"Did you see that blistering review of the new movie in the paper today?"
"How do you protect your skin from blistering when you're out in the sun?"
"Do you think it's fair for critics to blister artists so harshly?"
"Have you ever seen paint blister on an old building during a hot summer?"
Temas para diario
Describe a time when you received a blistering critique and how you reacted to it.
Write about a physical challenge, like a long hike, where you had to deal with blistering heat or feet.
Imagine you are a food critic. Blister a fictional restaurant for its terrible service and food.
Discuss the scientific process of how heat can blister different types of materials.
Reflect on the phrase 'blistering pace'. Is life moving at a blistering pace for you right now?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasGenerally, no. It almost always implies pain, damage, or harsh criticism. However, 'blistering pace' can be a positive attribute in sports if it leads to a win.
Yes, it follows the standard pattern: blister, blistered, blistering.
A blister is a specific type of bubble caused by trauma (heat, friction, chemicals) on a surface or skin.
While not standard, you could say 'she gave him a blistering look,' meaning a very sharp, angry stare.
You might use it to describe a technical failure: 'The coating on the prototypes began to blister during the heat test.'
'Blistered' is the past tense or the state (adjective). 'Blistering' is the ongoing action or an adjective for intensity.
Yes, 'The sun blistered the paint' is a common example.
Yes, it is used widely in both American and British English with the same meanings.
It means a very strong and public verbal criticism of someone's actions or policies.
In skin, yes (serum). In paint, it's usually air or solvent vapor.
Ponte a prueba 33 preguntas
/ 33 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'blister' captures both physical trauma and verbal intensity. Whether it's the sun blistering a hiker's skin or a critic blistering a new film, the word conveys a sense of extreme heat and painful impact. Example: 'The harsh sunlight began to blister the paint on the old boat.'
- To blister means to cause bubbles on skin or surfaces via heat or friction.
- It is also used figuratively to describe delivering a harsh, stinging verbal attack.
- Commonly seen in medical, industrial, sports, and political news contexts.
- The word implies intensity, pain, and a visible or felt reaction to stress.
Intensity
Use 'blister' when you want to emphasize that the heat or the criticism was painful.
Transitivity
Remember that you can say 'I blistered' (incorrect) only if you mean you are forming bubbles. Usually, you say 'My feet blistered'.
Synonym Choice
Use 'excoriate' for formal writing and 'blister' for more descriptive, vivid storytelling.
The 'R'
In US English, make sure to pronounce the final 'r' clearly.
Ejemplo
If you keep hiking in those new boots without thick socks, you will certainly blister your feet.
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B2El aborto es la terminación de un embarazo antes de que el feto pueda vivir de forma independiente.
abortions
C1Los abortos son la terminación del embarazo, ya sea de forma espontánea o mediante un procedimiento médico inducido.
abrasion
B2Una abrasión es una lesión superficial de la piel causada por el roce contra una superficie rugosa. También se refiere al desgaste de materiales por fricción.
acuity
B2La agudeza se refiere a la nitidez o perspicacia del pensamiento, la visión o el oído.
acute
B2Agudo o grave (problema); perspicaz o penetrante (sentidos/mente).
addictary
C1Inducir sistemáticamente un estado de dependencia en un sujeto.
addicted
B1Él es adicto al trabajo y nunca se toma vacaciones.
addiction
B2La adicción es una dependencia de una sustancia o actividad. La adicción al juego puede arruinar familias.
adrenaline
B2La adrenalina es una hormona producida por el cuerpo en momentos de estrés o emoción.
advivcy
C1La política <span class='italic'>advivcy</span> de la empresa mejoró la vitalidad de los empleados.
