besmirch

[ bih-smurch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to soil; tarnish; discolor.
2. to detract from the honor or luster of:

   to besmirch someone's good name.

   Synonyms: besmear, sully, discredit, dishonor, blacken, soil, tarnish, stain

besmirch

/ bɪˈsmɜːtʃ /

verb

1. to make dirty; soil
2. to reduce the brightness or lustre of
3. to sully (often in the phrase besmirch ( a person's ) name )

Other Words From

• be·smircher noun
• unbe·smirched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of besmirch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; be- + smirch

Example Sentences

Even though Salon never asked folks about gun control, many Republicans brought it up, worried that this incident might besmirch their support for even more gun deregulation.

From Salon

Instead, “People getting ready to do things” is spelled out in egg yolk, besmirching the virginal purity of its white satin support; and “It’s only vanishing cream” is translucent shellac disappearing against deathly black.

From Los Angeles Times

President Biden, in acknowledging both days, drew the ire of many on the right, who attacked him as besmirching Christianity.

From New York Times

Former treasurer and ex-ambassador to the US Joe Hockey was among those calling for the MP to be identified, on the basis that not doing so would "besmirch" all politicians.

From BBC

All the political drama not only besmirched the region but called into question the very idea of Latino political representation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blacken
• defile
• dishonor
• slander
• smear
• smirch