smirch

[ smurch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to discolor or soil; spot or smudge with or as with soot, dust, dirt, etc.

   Synonyms: dirty, smut, smear

   Antonyms: clean

2. to sully or tarnish (a person, reputation, character, etc.); disgrace; discredit.

   Synonyms: blot, taint

noun

1. a dirty mark or smear, as of soot, dust, dirt, etc.

   Synonyms: smutch, smut, smudge

2. a stain or blot, as on reputation.

   Synonyms: taint

smirch

/ smɜːtʃ /

verb

1. to dirty; soil

noun

1. the act of smirching or state of being smirched
2. a smear or stain

Derived Forms

• ˈsmircher, noun

Other Words From

• smirchless adjective
• un·smirched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smirch¹

First recorded in 1485–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of smirch¹

C15 smorchen, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

After the trial I saw Holker and asked him if he had been helping to smirch any more poor artists.

From Project Gutenberg

She took up one and tried to wipe it, but succeeded only in making a smirch which she could not wipe off.

From Project Gutenberg

His will was a scandal, and the horror did not only smirch his good name, it reached to hers.

From Project Gutenberg

If she were found here by a reporter, the gossip of tongue and print would smirch her benefactors.

From Project Gutenberg

Her first impulse was of decorum--to jerk her skirts about her in seemly fashion and be certain that no smirch adhered to them.

From Project Gutenberg