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tarnish
[ tahr-nish ]
verb (used with object)
- to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
Antonyms: brighten
- to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully:
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
verb (used without object)
- to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.
- to become sullied.
noun
- a tarnished coating.
- tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.
- a stain or blemish.
tarnish
/ ˈtɑːnɪʃ /
verb
- to lose or cause to lose the shine, esp by exposure to air or moisture resulting in surface oxidation; discolour
silver tarnishes quickly
- to stain or become stained; taint or spoil
a fraud that tarnished his reputation
noun
- a tarnished condition, surface, or film
Derived Forms
- ˈtarnishable, adjective
- ˈtarnisher, noun
Other Words From
- tarnish·a·ble adjective
- anti·tarnish adjective
- anti·tarnish·ing adjective
- non·tarnish·a·ble adjective
- non·tarnished adjective
- non·tarnish·ing adjective
- un·tarnish·a·ble adjective
- un·tarnished adjective
- un·tarnish·ing adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of tarnish1
Example Sentences
You can also use the packets to mitigate tarnish or corrosion of metal jewelry, so stick some in your jewelry box.
He said Iran pays lobbyists in Washington to discredit reports by Iranian exiles and tarnish their image.
In response, Netanyahu said Olmert was trying to tarnish his administration ahead of parliamentary elections next week.
And using charges themselves false in order to tarnish his reputation?
Her traditional Muslim father said it would tarnish the family name for a young woman to live overseas alone.
Banville may tarnish his hero a bit, particularly by tormenting him with alcohol.
If he breathed, it was only that feeble respiration which could scarcely tarnish the surface of a mirror.
It is easy to understand that gold and silver thread of this pure description, unlike tinsel finery, it is not liable to tarnish.
The aluminum utensils will be always shining, for the material of which they are made will not tarnish.
Prizes are offered at Lyons for the best mode of manufacturing gold and silver thread that will not tarnish.
He has deposited it safely, where misfortune can not tarnish it, where malice can not blast it.
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