Definition

Affected by windburn, which is a condition that causes redness and irritation of the skin due to exposure to cold, dry wind.

Example

After spending the day hiking in the mountains, I noticed my face was windburned and sore.

Conversation

Wow, your face looks a bit windburned after that hike.

Yeah, I didn't think the wind would be so strong up there.

You should have worn some sunscreen to protect yourself from the windburned effect.

I know, lesson learned for next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Windburned → It is formed from "wind" (from Old English "wind", meaning moving air) and "burned" (from Old English "byrnan", meaning to be on fire or to burn). The word "windburned" describes the condition of skin that has been damaged or irritated by exposure to the wind, as if it has been burned.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'wind' causing irritation to the skin, similar to being 'burned' — that's why 'windburned' refers to skin damaged by the wind.

Visually Confused Words