tarnish
to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully: The scandal tarnished his reputation.
to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.
to become sullied.
a tarnished coating.
tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.
a stain or blemish.
Origin of tarnish
1Other words for tarnish
Opposites for tarnish
Other words from tarnish
- tar·nish·a·ble, adjective
- an·ti·tar·nish, adjective
- an·ti·tar·nish·ing, adjective
- non·tar·nish·a·ble, adjective
- non·tar·nished, adjective
- non·tar·nish·ing, adjective
- un·tar·nish·a·ble, adjective
- un·tar·nished, adjective
- un·tar·nish·ing, adjective
Words Nearby tarnish
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use tarnish in a sentence
You can also use the packets to mitigate tarnish or corrosion of metal jewelry, so stick some in your jewelry box.
5 reasons to hold on to old silica gel packets | Bridget Reed Morawski | July 27, 2022 | Popular-ScienceHe said Iran pays lobbyists in Washington to discredit reports by Iranian exiles and tarnish their image.
White House Debunks Iran Nuclear Explosion, But Iran Denies Planting Story | Dan Ephron | January 29, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIn response, Netanyahu said Olmert was trying to tarnish his administration ahead of parliamentary elections next week.
Explosive Allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu | Dan Ephron | January 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd 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.
Toilers of the Sea | Victor HugoIt 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.
The American Country Girl | Martha Foote CrowPrizes are offered at Lyons for the best mode of manufacturing gold and silver thread that will not tarnish.
Needlework As Art | Marian AlfordHe has deposited it safely, where misfortune can not tarnish it, where malice can not blast it.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents | Edited by James D. Richardson
British Dictionary definitions for tarnish
/ (ˈtɑːnɪʃ) /
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
a tarnished condition, surface, or film
Origin of tarnish
1Derived forms of tarnish
- tarnishable, adjective
- tarnisher, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse