tarnish

Part of speech: verb

To lessen in luster; stain; disgrace.

Part of speech: noun

Loss of luster; a blemish.

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Usage examples "tarnish":

  1. The saint- like virtues of these Princesses, malice itself has not been able to tarnish. - "The Memoirs of Louis XV. and XVI., Volume 7 Being Secret Memoirs of Madame du Hausset, Lady's Maid to Madame de Pompadour, and of an Unknown English Girl and The Princess Lamballe", Madame du Hausset, and of an Unknown English Girl and the Princess Lamballe.
  2. Dear friend, I give you this warning, since never would I have you to say that in the smallest degree I had surrendered myself to you, for I swear that never will I do aught the which may tarnish mine honour. - "The Book of the Duke of True Lovers", Christiné de Pisan.
  3. May no misconduct in anyone tarnish it, and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet. - "With the Guards' Brigade from Bloemfontein to Koomati Poort and Back", Edward P. Lowry.