tarnish

[tahr-nish]

verb (used with object)

1. to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.

   Antonyms: brighten

2. to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully.

   The scandal tarnished his reputation.

   Synonyms: soil, blemish, taint

verb (used without object)

1. to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.

2. to become sullied.

noun

1. a tarnished coating.

2. tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.

3. a stain or blemish.

tarnish

/ ˈtɑːnɪʃ /

verb

1. to lose or cause to lose the shine, esp by exposure to air or moisture resulting in surface oxidation; discolour

   silver tarnishes quickly

2. to stain or become stained; taint or spoil

   a fraud that tarnished his reputation

noun

1. a tarnished condition, surface, or film

Other Word Forms

• tarnishable adjective
• antitarnish adjective
• antitarnishing adjective
• nontarnishable adjective
• nontarnished adjective
• nontarnishing adjective
• untarnishable adjective
• untarnished adjective
• untarnishing adjective
• tarnisher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarnish¹

1590–1600; < Middle French terniss-, long stem of ternir to dull, deaden, derivative of terne dull, wan < Germanic; compare Old High German tarni, cognate with Old Saxon derni, Old English dierne hidden, obscure; -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarnish¹

C16: from Old French ternir to make dull, from terne lustreless, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German tarnen to conceal, Old English dierne hidden

Example Sentences

He spearheaded action to polish the market’s tarnished image, including fines for managers who turned a blind eye to abuses and new codes of conduct.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, the government has criticised their portrayal as aimed at tarnishing the country's image, insisting the country is safe.

Read more on BBC

I learned that oiling the blade prevents humidity from tarnishing the steel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Will it tarnish Becerra’s image and hurt his campaign for governor?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It would add to uncertainty, further damage the government’s already tarnished credibility, and complicate any Bank of England’s judgment to potentially offset tax rises with rate cuts.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• damage 
• defame 
• dim 
• dull 
• embarrass 
• harm 
• hurt 
• impair 
• mar 
• muddy 
• pollute 
• smear 
• spoil 
• stain 
• sully 
• taint 
• tar