Besmirch: meaning, definitions and examples

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besmirch

[ bɪˈsmɜːtʃ ]

^{Context #1}

in reputation

To damage the reputation of someone or something by making false or misleading statements about them.

Synonyms

discredit, sully, tarnish

Examples of usage

He was accused of trying to besmirch the good name of the company.
The politician's opponents have attempted to besmirch his reputation with baseless allegations.

^{Context #2}

with dirt

To make something dirty or stained.

Synonyms

smear, spot, stain

Examples of usage

The mud besmirched her pristine white dress.
The walls of the old building were besmirched with graffiti.

Translations

Translations of the word "besmirch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchar

🇮🇳 कलंकित करना

🇩🇪 beschmutzen

🇮🇩 mencemari

🇺🇦 заплямувати

🇵🇱 splamić

🇯🇵 汚す (けがす)

🇫🇷 salir

🇪🇸 manchar

🇹🇷 lekelemek

🇰🇷 더럽히다

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pošpinit

🇸🇰 pošpiniť

🇨🇳 玷污 (diànwū)

🇸🇮 omadeževati

🇮🇸 saurga

🇰🇿 ластау

🇬🇪 დაბრალება

🇦🇿 ləkələmək

🇲🇽 manchar

Word origin

The word 'besmirch' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the combination of 'be-' and 'smirchen', which means 'to smear'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the tarnishing of reputation as well as physical staining. The word has been in use since the 15th century.