tarnish
verb (used with object)
to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
was tarnishing
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past progressiveof tarnish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Speaking of the brand’s origins, elsewhere in the interview Demna said one of the most “painful” parts of the backlash was tarnishing “the name of Balenciaga and the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 10, 2023
The FIA has admitted the controversy surrounding the race was "tarnishing the image" of F1.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2021
The FIA has admitted that the controversy surrounding the race was "tarnishing the image" of F1.
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2021
Allyson Schwartz, a member of the House of Representatives Democratic campaign committee, made it clear she had seen enough of the scandal that was tarnishing the party's image.
From Reuters ● Jun. 9, 2011
The Queen took Alexander by the hand, and examined the golden thread which was showing the effects of wear; but the strand of hair was becoming more lustrous, while the golden thread was tarnishing.
From Four Arthurian Romances by William Wistar Comfort
