tarnish
Translation
to lose luster, to discolor, to damage a reputation, to sully
Examples
The silver cutlery started to tarnish.
The silver cutlery started to tarnish.
The scandal could tarnish his reputation.
The scandal could tarnish his reputation.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to lose luster or discolor The silver cutlery started to tarnish.
((sth.)) to damage or sully (a reputation) The scandal could tarnish his reputation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sully, stain, blemish; Antonyms: polish, enhance, brighten
Etymology
From Old French 'ternir', meaning 'to make dim or dull'.
Memory Tips
Picture a shiny silver 'urn' that gets left in the rain and starts to 'tarnish'.