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Synonyms
tar·nish (täŕnĭsh)

[Middle English ternisshen, from Old French ternir, terniss-, to dull, from terne, dull, of Germanic origin.]

verb: -nished, -nish·ing, -nish·es. 

transitive verb 

  1. To dull the luster of; discolor, especially by exposure to air or dirt.
    1. To detract from or spoil; taint: a tragedy that tarnished our hopes.
    2. To cast aspersions on; sully: slander that tarnished the senator's image.

intransitive verb 

  1. To lose luster; become discolored.
  2. To diminish or become tainted.

noun 

  1. The condition of being tarnished.
  2. Discoloration of a metal surface caused by corrosion or oxidation.
  3. The condition of being sullied or tainted.

derivatives

taŕnish·a·ble
adjective