tarnish
tor nish
- n discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
- v make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air
- After the Delhi police bombshell, ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya promised "those who seek to tarnish the image of cricket in this manner must be brought to justice.
- Being associated with the likes of Huggins and his followers can only tarnish what has been an otherwise worthy career.
- China watchers say the Me generation's reluctance to agitate for reform is driven in part by a reluctance to tarnish China's moment in the sun.