tarnish
Translation
to tarnish, to stain, to blemish
Examples
Silver will tarnish if you don't polish it.
Silver will tarnish if you don't polish it.
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) lose its shine Silver can tarnish over time.
((to tarnish)) ((sth.)) to damage (a reputation, etc.) The scandal could tarnish his career.
Similar Words
Synonyms: discolor, stain, blemish; Antonyms: polish, shine, enhance
Etymology
From Old French 'ternir', meaning 'to make dark or dull'.
Memory Tips
It sounds like 'tar-nish'. Imagine smearing tar on something shiny to make it dull.