Besmirched: meaning, definitions and examples
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besmirched
[ bɪsˈmɜrʧt ]
to damage reputation
To besmirch means to damage someone's reputation or good name, often through slander or unfair criticism. It implies making something impure or dirty, particularly in a metaphorical sense related to honor or dignity.
Synonyms
defame, disgrace, sully, taint
Examples of usage
- The scandal besmirched his once reputable career.
- They tried to besmirch her character with false accusations.
- His comments besmirched the integrity of the institution.
- The article besmirched her image in the public eye.
Translations
Translations of the word "besmirched" in other languages:
🇵🇹 difamado
🇮🇳 कलंकित
🇩🇪 beschmutzt
🇮🇩 tercemar
🇺🇦 очорнений
🇵🇱 zhańbiony
🇯🇵 汚された
🇫🇷 souillé
🇪🇸 manchado
🇹🇷 lekelendirilmiş
🇰🇷 더러워진
🇸🇦 ملوث
🇨🇿 zneuctěný
🇸🇰 zneuctený
🇨🇳 玷污的
🇸🇮 posvinjen
🇮🇸 sóaður
🇰🇿 лауазымды
🇬🇪 გალახული
🇦🇿 lekelənmiş
🇲🇽 manchado
Etymology
The word 'besmirch' originated in the late 15th century from the Middle English word 'besmirchen', which is a combination of 'be-' (a prefix meaning 'about, around') and 'smerchen', meaning 'to smear'. The term 'smerchen' has roots in Old English 'smerian', which translates to 'to smear or soil'. Over time, 'besmirch' evolved to specifically connote not just making something dirty in a physical sense, but more commonly in a moral or reputational context. The transition reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing personal reputation, and the term is often used in contexts involving betrayal, dishonor, or calumny.