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 Word Forms

• besmircher noun
• unbesmirched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of besmirch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; be- + smirch

Example Sentences

Mr Yusuf said that he had never met Gill, and all he knew of him was what he had read in the newspapers, saying his actions should not "besmirch" Reform UK.

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As it turns out, Murray’s story doesn’t besmirch Candy’s memory at all.

Read more on Salon

There was also criticism from the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, who said the aim of the documentary was to "besmirch" Kenya.

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With that behavior he besmirches not just the actual Oval Office but the very idea of the office of the president of the United States.

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It is no coincidence that he publicly labels Ukraine's leadership "Nazis" as a means of besmirching them in Russian eyes.

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Related Words

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