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

“How could anyone besmirch you, Rostam, you mighty steed? You, who’ve traveled from the stones of the druids to the domes of Kublai Khan. Tell them of your exploits! Go ahead and tell them of all the merchant’s crowns we’ve won and lost.”

From Literature

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

On Wednesday in Moscow, the lower house of Parliament passed a law that will allow the Russian government to seize the property of Russians living abroad who, in the words of the legislature’s chairman, “besmirch our country.”

From New York Times

Citing this isn’t meant to besmirch Lear’s legacy but, rather, to highlight his flaws as a part of his evolution.

From Salon

Related Words

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