besmirch
[ bih-smurch ]
/ bɪˈsmɜrtʃ /
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verb (used with object)
to soil; tarnish; discolor.
to detract from the honor or luster of: to besmirch someone's good name.
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OTHER WORDS FROM besmirch
be·smirch·er, nounun·be·smirched, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use besmirch in a sentence
Here is a story unbesmirched by the love element, exceedingly plausible and interestingly narrated.
Astounding Stories, April, 1931|Various
British Dictionary definitions for besmirch
besmirch
/ (bɪˈsmɜːtʃ) /
verb (tr)
to make dirty; soil
to reduce the brightness or lustre of
to sully (often in the phrase besmirch (a person's) name)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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