Definition

A condition where the skin becomes red, painful, and sometimes blistered due to too much exposure to sunlight.

Example

After spending the whole day at the beach without sunscreen, I got a bad sunburn.

Conversation

I got a terrible sunburn after spending the whole day at the beach.

Ouch! Did you forget to put on sunscreen?

Yeah, I thought I wouldn't need it, but now my skin hurts.

That's a lesson learned — always protect your skin from getting a sunburn!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause the skin to become red and painful due to excessive exposure to sunlight.

Example

She forgot to apply sunscreen and ended up sunburning after a day at the beach.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you remember to put on sunscreen before going to the beach?

No, I forgot and now I have a bad sunburn.

That's the worst! You really should be more careful next time.

Root Explanation

Sunburn is formed from "sun" (from Old English "sunne", meaning the star that provides light and warmth) and "burn" (from Old English "yrnan", meaning to be on fire or to scorch). The word "sunburn" describes the condition of skin being scorched or burned by the sun's rays.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'sun' as the source of light and warmth that can 'burn' your skin, leading to the condition known as sunburn.

Visually Confused Words