Tarnish (Verb)
Meaning
Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- After years of neglect, the once shiny bike had begun to tarnish and lose its luster.
- The politician's reputation began to tarnish when news of the scandal broke out in the media.
- Years of exposure to the air had caused the old copper coins to tarnish and turn green.
- Neglecting to store the items properly allowed them to tarnish and lose their original condition.
- Failing to address the rumors had allowed the actress's reputation to tarnish in the eyes of her fans.