blemish

[ blem-ish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy or diminish the perfection of:

   The book is blemished by those long, ineffective descriptions.

   Synonyms: deface, impair, damage, mar, injure, taint, tarnish, spot, sully, stain

   Antonyms: repair, purify

noun

1. a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.
2. a defect or flaw; stain; blight:

   a blemish on his record.

   Synonyms: taint, speck, spot, blot

blemish

/ ˈblɛmɪʃ /

noun

1. a defect; flaw; stain

verb

1. tr to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish

Other Words From

• blemish·er noun
• un·blemished adjective
• un·blemish·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blemish¹

1275–1325; Middle English (v.) < Anglo-French, Middle French blemiss-, long stem of ble ( s ) mir to make livid, perhaps < Old Low Franconian *blesmjan; blaze ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of blemish¹

C14: from Old French blemir to make pale, probably of Germanic origin

Synonym Study

See defect.

Example Sentences

Here’s betting the Bills put a first blemish on that gaudy KC record.

From Los Angeles Times

UCLA’s only significant blemish was a secondary that was repeatedly beaten for big plays and penalized, not to mention Garbers losing a fumble with 3½ minutes to go.

From Los Angeles Times

One notable blemish on Darvish’s résumé: His 0-2 record in winner-take-all postseason games.

From Los Angeles Times

Caroline Jones, 57, from Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018 after spotting a tiny blemish on her leg.

From BBC

Yet another dollar-driven blemish on the greatest game on Earth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blot
• blotch
• bruise
• discoloration
• freckle
• imperfection
• pimple
• scar
• smudge
• snag
• stain
• stigma
• wart