tarnish
/ˈtɑrnɪʃ/
verb
- To make or become dull, discolored, or less shiny, especially on a metal surface.
- Don't use harsh chemicals that might tarnish the finish.
- The brass doorknob began to tarnish after years of use.
- Silver jewelry will tarnish if exposed to air for too long.
- To damage or spoil the good reputation or image of someone or something.
- A single mistake can tarnish a company's reputation for years.
- He tried to tarnish her name with false rumors.
- The scandal tarnished the politician's career.
noun
- A thin layer of discoloration or dullness on a metal surface, caused by exposure to air or chemicals.
- The tarnish on the medal made it look much older than it was.
- The old silver spoon had a layer of tarnish that needed polishing.
- You can remove tarnish from copper with lemon juice and salt.
- Damage to a reputation or image.
- The scandal left a permanent tarnish on the organization.
- Years of honest work helped erase the tarnish from the company's past.
- The tarnish on his good name was hard to remove.