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

While Couric included some of Ginsburg’s criticism in the finished product, she decided to leave out that particular barb, concerned that it would besmirch the reputation of someone she was a “fan” of.

From Washington Post

Before Sullivan, states maintained strict libel laws in an attempt to protect individuals’ reputations in their community from being besmirched unfairly.

From Washington Post

And I would never besmirch her reputation by suggesting that she had.

From The Daily Beast

I hate to besmirch the reputation of an innocent dog, but a lot of time her personality is like a rabid pit bull.

From The Daily Beast

If anyone is working round the clock to besmirch the reputation of Pit Bulls it is Pit Bulls themselves.

From The Daily Beast

His Pucelle is a diabolical attempt to besmirch the pure character of Joan of Arc.

From Project Gutenberg

I will idealise you until you besmirch yourself—but you are no child, to do that unknowingly.

From Project Gutenberg

She had remained silent that she might not besmirch her father's name, and also, perhaps, that she might protect the other woman.

From Project Gutenberg

Soil it—yes; besmirch it, render it superficially unclean, unfit, nauseous—yes.

From Project Gutenberg

He had come to Italy to redeem the name of the house of Gobignon, not besmirch it further.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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