Besmirch
verb
To damage the good name or reputation of someone.
His reputation was besmirched by false accusations.
Often appears as...
- besmirch someone's reputation
- besmirch someone's name
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To make something dirty or less pure.
Don't besmirch the white carpet with your muddy shoes.
Often appears as...
- besmirch the purity
- besmirch the cleanliness
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To damage the good name or reputation of someone.
His reputation was besmirched by false accusations.
Often appears as...
- besmirch someone's reputation
- besmirch someone's name
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To make something dirty or less pure.
Don't besmirch the white carpet with your muddy shoes.
Often appears as...
- besmirch the purity
- besmirch the cleanliness
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe harm to one's social status rather than physical damage.
A scandal would besmirch the minister's virtuous image.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying intentional or malicious actions.
Her political rival deliberately besmirched her by spreading lies.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity of Harm
Indicates more than just criticism; suggests serious harm to someone's reputation.
Once trustworthy, the scientist found his integrity besmirched by the false data.
Compare with
defamediscreditdisparagesmearsoilstainsullytarnishvilify
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Quote examples
Robert Sheehan
Irish Actor
John Hurt was pretty bad. I know it's pretty terrible to besmirch the memory of a dead man, but he was really rude to me.
Quote examples
Randy Quaid
American Actor
I would not do anything to besmirch my reputation any further than it has already been.
Quote examples
Jose Feliciano
Puerto Rican Musician
I made history and nothing can besmirch that. Nothing can erase that.
Quote examples
Robert Sheehan
Irish Actor
John Hurt was pretty bad. I know it's pretty terrible to besmirch the memory of a dead man, but he was really rude to me.
Quote examples
Randy Quaid
American Actor
I would not do anything to besmirch my reputation any further than it has already been.
Quote examples
Jose Feliciano
Puerto Rican Musician
I made history and nothing can besmirch that. Nothing can erase that.
Example 1 of 3
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