tarnish

/tˈɑːnɪʃ/

/ˈtɑɹnɪʃ/

[verb] [noun]

to tarnish

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

synonyms : defile

Tarnish

discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation

Examples

1. The politician was once the poster boy for honesty and integrity, but his recent scandals have tarnished his reputation.

2. The envious politician attacked his opponent with baseless accusations, not realizing that envy shoots at others and wounds itself, as his own reputation was tarnished in the process.

3. The athlete's fall from grace was devastating, as their doping scandal tarnished their once-sterling reputation.

4. The death of Belushi tarnished the image of Hollywood’s fast living brat pack.