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tarnish

verb

/ˈtɑːnɪʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tarnish

To degrade or diminish the reputation, prestige, or worth of a person, object, or concept.
"The scandal will tarnish his reputation for years to come."

Detailed meaning of tarnish

When one 'tarnishes' something, they engage in actions or behaviors that lead to a loss of esteem or quality. This term conveys the idea of undermining the positive attributes or standing of the subject, often through actions that compromise its integrity, trustworthiness, or value. 'Tarnishing' can relate to reputational damage, loss of credibility, or the devaluation of assets, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting and upholding the value and respect associated with individuals, organizations, or ideas.

Example sentences containing tarnish

1. The company's unethical practices have tarnished its image in the public eye.
2. His behavior has begun to tarnish his relationships with his coworkers.
3. The politician's controversial statements have tarnished his credibility.
4. The harsh chemicals in the cleaning product can tarnish the surface of the furniture.
5. His arrest for drunk driving could tarnish his chances of getting the job.
6. The rain has begun to tarnish the finish on the car's paint job.

History and etymology of tarnish

The verb 'tarnish' has its roots in Old French, where it appeared as 'tarnir' and meant 'to dull' or 'to lose luster.' It is believed to have been derived from the Old High German word 'dernan,' which meant 'to hide' or 'to conceal.' Over time, 'tarnish' evolved to describe the process of degrading or diminishing the reputation, prestige, or worth of a person, object, or concept, often by causing a loss of shine or luster metaphorically. Its etymology captures the notion of something losing its brightness or brilliance, akin to the way a shiny surface can be dulled or concealed, symbolizing the fading or tarnishing of one's reputation or value.

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Further usage examples of tarnish

1. The artist refused to let fame tarnish her creative vision.
2. The silverware has tarnished from not being used regularly.
3. The comments on the internet have the power to tarnish a person's reputation.
4. The company's failure to follow safety regulations could tarnish its brand.
5. The hotel's poor customer service has begun to tarnish its ratings on travel websites.
6. Scandals often tarnish even the most esteemed figures, eroding their public standing irreparably.
7. Lies can swiftly tarnish trust and reputation, leading to lasting damage.
8. Neglect may tarnish the historical beauty of cherished sites, robbing them of their allure.
9. Mismanagement can tarnish a company's image, driving away customers and investors.
10. Controversy threatens to tarnish their legacy, casting a shadow on their achievements.
11. Gossip can unfairly tarnish reputations, spreading falsehoods and doubt.
12. Corruption has the power to tarnish governments, eroding public trust.
13. Scandals can tarnish a nation's international image, impacting diplomacy and trade.
14. False accusations can unjustly tarnish lives, causing emotional and financial harm.
15. Petty arguments tarnish workplace harmony, affecting productivity and morale.
16. Ethical violations may tarnish professional standing, jeopardizing careers.
17. Deceptive practices tarnish brand trustworthiness, alienating loyal customers.
18. Greed can tarnish even the most noble intentions, leading to unethical behavior.
19. Misunderstandings tarnish friendships, creating rifts that may never fully heal.
20. Harsh criticism can tarnish self-esteem, causing lasting emotional scars.
21. Jealousy can tarnish close relationships, breeding resentment and mistrust.
22. Betrayal can tarnish deep trust, leaving wounds that are hard to mend.
23. Time tends to tarnish precious memories, fading their vibrancy over the years.
24. Negligence can tarnish environmental landscapes, degrading natural beauty.
25. Competition may tarnish camaraderie, turning friends into rivals.