TARNISH | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Tarnish

Tarnish

tar·nish

Definition/Meaning

(verb)

to make something less respected or valued by disgracing it, or to make something seem to lose its good qualities;

e.g. Despite their efforts to tarnish her reputation, she was nominated for the award.

(verb)

to destroy the shine/luster of something or to cause it to become dull or discolored, typically due to exposure to air, dirt, or moisture, or to be subjected to this destruction;

e.g. The humidity will tarnish these metallic objects.

(noun)

a film or stain on the surface of a metal, caused by the chemical alteration of the metal due to air, dirt, or moisture, that results in the metal losing its shine/luster or becoming dull or discolored;

e.g. She used a sponge to scrub the tarnish off the silver dish.

(noun)

harm or damage that is done to something or someone in an attempt to make it/them less respected or valued;

e.g. He never recovered from the tarnish on his character, and has struggled to find a job ever since.