tarnish

1 of 2

verb

tar·​nish ˈtär-nish How to pronounce tarnish (audio)
tarnished; tarnishing; tarnishes

transitive verb

1
: to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : soil, stain
2
a
: to detract from the good quality of : vitiate
his fine dreams now slightly tarnished
b
: to bring disgrace on : sully
the scandal has tarnished his reputation
tarnishable adjective

tarnish

2 of 2

noun

: something that tarnishes
especially : a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (such as silver)

Examples of tarnish in a Sentence

Verb Some foods will tarnish silver. The scandal tarnished his reputation. Noun a polish that removes tarnish
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
After the atrocities committed during the World War II, fascism remains taboo in Western societies, so anything linking Musk to the ideology could severely tarnish his reputation, as well as risking a diplomatic spat with America's European allies. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 But Reubens’ image as a beloved childhood hero was severely tarnished in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater, and then again in 2002 when he was charged with misdemeanor possession of obscene material. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
In other medal news: Some of the 2024 Olympic medals will be replaced by the French mint after complaints about tarnishes appearing just months after the Games. Chris Branch, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 Metal ornaments that are beginning to tarnish can be cleaned with either a bit of jewelry polish or a mixture of baking soda and water. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tarnish 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ternysshen, from Middle French terniss-, stem of ternir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German tarnan to hide

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tarnish was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tarnish

Cite this Entry

“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarnish. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

tarnish

1 of 2 verb
tar·​nish ˈtär-nish How to pronounce tarnish (audio)
1
: to make or become dull, dim, or discolored
silver tarnishes
2
: to bring disgrace or cast doubt on
tarnished the family's good name

tarnish

2 of 2 noun
: something that tarnishes
especially : a film of chemically changed material on the surface of a metal (as silver)

More from Merriam-Webster on tarnish

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