Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bruise \Bruise\ (br[udd]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bruised}
   (br[udd]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Bruising}.] [OE. brusen,
   brisen, brosen, bresen, AS. br[=y]san or fr. OF. bruiser,
   bruisier, bruser, to break, shiver, perh. from OHG.
   brochis[=o]n. Cf. {Break}, v. t.]
   1. To injure, as by a blow or collision, without laceration;
      to contuse; as, to bruise one's finger with a hammer; to
      bruise the bark of a tree with a stone; to bruise an apple
      by letting it fall.

   2. To break; as in a mortar; to bray, as minerals, roots,
      etc.; to crush.

            Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs.
                                                  --Shak.

   Syn: To pulverize; bray; triturate; pound; contuse.

Source : WordNet®

bruising
     adj 1: causing mental or emotional injury; "a bruising experience";
            "protected from the bruising facts of battle"- John
            Mason Brown
     2: brutally forceful and compelling; "protected from the
        bruising facts of battle"