smirch

American  

[smurch] / smɜrtʃ /

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

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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 British  

/ smɜːtʃ /

verb

1. to dirty; soil

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noun

1. the act of smirching or state of being smirched

2. a smear or stain

Other Word Forms

• smircher noun
• smirchless adjective
• unsmirched adjective

Etymology

Origin of smirch

First recorded in 1485–95; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

"It's a smirch that never goes away.... If you dedicated yourself to serving the good, how would you cope with that?"

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2014

Newsreaders were shocked last week to read testimony which, if true, would smirch Scripps-Howard with one of the lowest tricks in the newspaper business�padding circulation figures.

From Time Magazine Archive

Typical of the things which smirch the character of Judge English, as they were brought forth by Congressmen: A bootlegger sentenced by Judge English to four months in jail paid Mr. Thomas $2,500.

From Time Magazine Archive

All the House is asked to do," said Representative Graham, "and all it is bound to do is to say in effect to Judge English: 'Here are things which smirch your ermine.

From Time Magazine Archive

The filth of the streets could not smirch her—outwardly.

From Superwomen by Terhune, Albert Payson