Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tarnish
verb
/ˈtɑrnɪʃ/
Definition
To lose luster or shine, usually due to a chemical reaction with the environment.
Examples
- Silver jewelry can tarnish if left exposed to air for too long.
- The scandal tarnished his reputation.
- After cleaning, the metal would shine instead of being tarnished.
Meaning
Tarnish refers to the dulling or discoloration of a metal surface, particularly silver, that occurs when it reacts with sulfur compounds in the air. It can also mean to spoil the purity or integrity of something.
Synonyms
- Defile
- Dull
- Stain
- Mar
- Soil
