be·smirch (b
tr.v. be·smirched , be·smirch·ing , be·smirch·es
1. To stain; sully: a reputation that was besmirched by slander.
2. To make dirty; soil.
be·smirch n.
be·smirch n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company . All rights reserved.
besmirch
Verb
to tarnish (someone’s name or reputation)
Thesaurus Legend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Verb
1.
besmirch – charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; “The journalists have defamed me!” “The article in the paper sullied my reputation”
accuse , charge – blame for, make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against; “he charged the director with indifference”
assassinate – destroy or damage seriously, as of someone’s reputation; “He assassinated his enemy’s character”
libel – print slanderous statements against; “The newspaper was accused of libeling him”
2.
besmirch – smear so as to make dirty or stained
smear – stain by smearing or daubing with a dirty substance
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
-smûrch
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