soil

/sɔɪl/
verb
  1. To make something dirty, especially with mud or waste.
    • He soiled his hands while working in the garage.
    • Be careful not to soil your new white shirt while eating spaghetti.
    • The dog soiled the carpet, so we had to clean it immediately.
  2. To damage or spoil someone's reputation or honor (figurative).
    • False rumors can soil a person's character unfairly.
    • The scandal soiled the politician's reputation for years.
    • She refused to soil her good name by lying.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
  1. The top layer of the earth's surface in which plants grow; dirt.
    • Worms help keep the soil healthy by breaking down organic matter.
    • The farmer tested the soil to see if it had enough nutrients for the crops.
    • The garden has rich, dark soil that is perfect for growing vegetables.
  2. A particular type of land or territory (often used figuratively).
    • After years abroad, she was happy to return to American soil.
    • The treaty was signed on neutral soil.
    • The soldiers fought bravely to defend their native soil.