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tarnish
[ tahr-nish ]
verb (used with object)
- to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
Antonyms: brighten
- to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully:
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
verb (used without object)
- to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.
- to become sullied.
noun
- a tarnished coating.
- tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.
- a stain or blemish.
tarnish
/ ˈtɑːnɪʃ /
verb
- to lose or cause to lose the shine, esp by exposure to air or moisture resulting in surface oxidation; discolour
silver tarnishes quickly
- to stain or become stained; taint or spoil
a fraud that tarnished his reputation
noun
- a tarnished condition, surface, or film
Derived Forms
- ˈtarnishable, adjective
- ˈtarnisher, noun
Other Words From
- tarnish·a·ble adjective
- anti·tarnish adjective
- anti·tarnish·ing adjective
- non·tarnish·a·ble adjective
- non·tarnished adjective
- non·tarnish·ing adjective
- un·tarnish·a·ble adjective
- un·tarnished adjective
- un·tarnish·ing adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of tarnish1
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.
She said Angola's government was behind a campaign to tarnish her image.
The specialty lining prevents tarnishing, ensuring treasured pieces stay pristine on the road.
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".
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.
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