Tarnishing: meaning, definitions and examples

🌫️

Add to dictionary

tarnishing

[ ˈtɑːnɪʃɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

metal

To make or become less valuable or respected.

Synonyms

blemish, stain, sully, taint

Examples of usage

The scandal tarnished his reputation as a politician.
Over time, the silverware began tarnishing due to exposure to air.

Translations

Translations of the word "tarnishing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchamento

🇮🇳 कलंकित करना

🇩🇪 Anlaufen

🇮🇩 menodai

🇺🇦 затьмарення

🇵🇱 matowienie

🇯🇵 変色

🇫🇷 ternissement

🇪🇸 deslustre

🇹🇷 kararma

🇰🇷 변색

🇸🇦 تشويه

🇨🇿 matování

🇸🇰 matovanie

🇨🇳 变色

🇸🇮 omadeževanje

🇮🇸 flekka

🇰🇿 түсін жоғалту

🇬🇪 გაშავება

🇦🇿 qaralmaq

🇲🇽 deslustre

Word origin

The word 'tarnishing' originates from the Middle English word 'tarnishen', which means 'to lose luster'. The term is often used in reference to metals losing their shine or value over time due to exposure to certain elements. The concept of tarnishing has been observed throughout history as metals naturally react with their environment, leading to discoloration and a dull appearance. Understanding the process of tarnishing has been crucial in the maintenance and preservation of valuable metal objects.