sully

/ˈsʌli/
verb
  1. To damage or spoil something good, such as a reputation, image, or record.
    • The beautiful landscape was sullied by litter and graffiti.
    • He refused to sully his hands with dishonest business deals.
    • The scandal sullied the politician's once-clean reputation.
  2. To make something dirty or stained.
    • The muddy boots sullied the clean kitchen floor.
    • The artist's white canvas was sullied by a splash of black paint.
    • Rain sullied the freshly washed car within minutes.
What does "sully" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean