tarnish

About 0.30 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
2. verb To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

   Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.

3. verb To compromise, damage, soil, or sully.

   He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.

4. verb To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
5. verb To use a sign, image, expression, etc. sufficiently close to a trademarked one that it brings disrepute to it.

Similar words

maculate sully defile stain smear cloud besmirch soil mar maim

Often followed by

the his and their it on of in or

Word family

tarnishable tarnished tarnishes tarnishing