Smirch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
smirch
[smษชrสง ]
Definitions
taint, stain
To smirch means to make something dirty or stained, particularly in terms of reputation. It implies that something has been soiled or defiled in a metaphorical sense.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The scandal smirched his reputation.
- Don't smirch the family name.
- Her comments smirched the organization's credibility.
stain, mark
A smirch refers to a mark, stain, or smudge on a surface. It can denote something that tarnishes the purity or integrity of an object or idea.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- There was a smirch on the wall.
- The painting had a smirch that needed cleaning.
- He found a smirch on his shirt before the meeting.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'smirch'
The word 'smirch' originates from Middle English 'smerichen', which means to smear or soil. Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'smierran', which indicates the action of smearing. Over time, the evolution of the term reflects the concepts of tarnishing or defiling something. The word became more specialized in its use, often shifting from a physical sense of marking to a more metaphorical use related to reputation and integrity. The variant forms and the phonetic changes over centuries illustrate the natural evolution of language, as 'smirch' succinctly captures the essence of making something less pure or reputable.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,523, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 40520 churlishly
- 40521 initialling
- 40522 showiness
- 40523 smirch
- 40524 burka
- 40525 deafeningly
- 40526 inhumanely
- ...