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besmirch

[bɪˈsməːtʃ]

besmirch Definition

  • 1damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the opinion of others
  • 2make (something) dirty or discoloured

Using besmirch: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "besmirch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was accused of trying to besmirch the good name of his opponent.

  • Example

    The scandal besmirched the reputation of the company.

  • Example

    The mud on his shoes besmirched the clean carpet.

  • Example

    The graffiti besmirched the wall of the building.

besmirch Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for besmirch

Phrases with besmirch

  • besmirch someone's character/reputation

    to damage the reputation of someone

    Example

    The newspaper article besmirched his character and he lost his job.

  • besmirch someone's honor

    to damage the reputation of someone's honor

    Example

    The accusations besmirched his honor and he was forced to resign.

  • besmirch someone's name

    to damage the reputation of someone's name

    Example

    The rumors besmirched her name and she had to move to a different city.

Origins of besmirch

from be- 'thoroughly' + smirch, from Old English 'smeorcian' meaning 'to smoke'

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Summary: besmirch in Brief

The verb 'besmirch' [bɪˈsməːtʃ] means to damage the reputation of someone or something in the opinion of others, or to make something dirty or discoloured. It is often used in formal contexts and can be synonymous with 'sully' or 'tarnish'. Examples include 'The scandal besmirched the reputation of the company' and 'The graffiti besmirched the wall of the building.'