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TARNISH Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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View synonyms for tarnish

tarnish

[ tahr-nish ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.

    Antonyms: brighten

  2. to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully:

    The scandal tarnished his reputation.

    Synonyms: soil, blemish, taint



verb (used without object)

  1. to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.
  2. to become sullied.

noun

  1. a tarnished coating.
  2. tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.
  3. a stain or blemish.

tarnish

/ ˈtɑːnɪʃ /

verb

  1. to lose or cause to lose the shine, esp by exposure to air or moisture resulting in surface oxidation; discolour

    silver tarnishes quickly

  2. to stain or become stained; taint or spoil

    a fraud that tarnished his reputation

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a tarnished condition, surface, or film
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈtarnishable, adjective
  • ˈtarnisher, noun
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Other Words From

  • tarnish·a·ble adjective
  • anti·tarnish adjective
  • anti·tarnish·ing adjective
  • non·tarnish·a·ble adjective
  • non·tarnished adjective
  • non·tarnish·ing adjective
  • un·tarnish·a·ble adjective
  • un·tarnished adjective
  • un·tarnish·ing adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tarnish1

1590–1600; < Middle French terniss-, long stem of ternir to dull, deaden, derivative of terne dull, wan < Germanic; compare Old High German tarni, cognate with Old Saxon derni, Old English dierne hidden, obscure; -ish 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tarnish1

C16: from Old French ternir to make dull, from terne lustreless, of Germanic origen; related to Old High German tarnen to conceal, Old English dierne hidden
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Example Sentences

But in October, Commons Leader Lucy Powell, who heads the committee, said there was "much to do" to repair the "tarnished" reputation of Parliament.

From BBC

She said Angola's government was behind a campaign to tarnish her image.

From BBC

The specialty lining prevents tarnishing, ensuring treasured pieces stay pristine on the road.

From Salon

Holding a masters in economics from the UK's prestigious Oxford University, he heads the government's economic management team, and the collapsing economy has tarnished his reputation as an "economic whizzkid".

From BBC

One Democratic governor, Jared Polis of Colorado, quickly released a statement saying he was “disappointed” and that the move would “tarnish” the outgoing president’s reputation.

From BBC

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