Tarnish

Quick meaning: Tarnish is a noun meaning Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

Meaning

Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
2. (transitive) To compromise, damage, soil, or sully.
3. (intransitive, figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
4. (copyright law) To use a sign, image, expression, etc. sufficiently close to a trademarked one that it brings disrepute to it.

Example Sentences

The greed that many players show tarnishes the game.

Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.

He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.

Till thy freſh Glories, vvhich novv ſhine ſo bright, / Grovv Stale and Tarniſh vvith our daily ſight.

Word Forms

• tarnishes
• tarnishing
• tarnished

Synonyms for tarnish

Depending on context, synonyms include oxidate, befoul, inquinate, denigrate, blot, assoil.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include maculate, sully, defile, stain, smear, cloud.

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