Having blood vessels broken or visible, as in a person's eyes; appearing red and inflamed from broken blood vessels.
Compound of blood and shotten (from Old English sceottan, meaning shot or pierced), describing eyes that look as if blood has been shot through them via broken capillaries.
Shakespeare used 'bloodshotten' to describe characters in extreme states—exhausted soldiers, grieving mothers, people consumed by rage—because red, bloodshot eyes instantly signal desperation and emotional extremity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.