tarnish
verb (used with object)
to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
were 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.
In the final months of Jeff Bezos’ tenure as CEO, his high-turnover model looked riskier, and the concerns about how Amazon treated the workers who powered its rise were tarnishing his legacy.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 15, 2021
The handful of rogue officers were tarnishing their department's image, and becoming a financial liability as taxpayers paid millions to settle lawsuits.
From Time Magazine Archive
