tarnish
tarnish Lexical Profile
tarnish Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To damage, sully, or diminish the purity, value, or good reputation of someone or something.
"The financial scandal threatened to tarnish the reputation of the respected research institute."
To lose or cause a metal to lose its luster and become discolored, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture.
"Silver cutlery will gradually tarnish if left exposed to humid air for long periods."
• noun
A dullness of luster or a thin layer of discoloration on the surface of a metal caused by oxidation or chemical reaction.
"A gentle polish with a soft cloth quickly removed the dark tarnish from the antique silver teapot."
A moral stain, blemish, or loss of good reputation.
"Years of dedicated community service helped remove the tarnish from the organization's public image."
• Rhymes for tarnish
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French terniss-, the extended stem of ternir ('to make dim or dull'), which derives from Old French terne ('dull, dark'), likely of Germanic origin.