besmirch

Definition

To make dirty.

Etymology

From Middle English besmorchen (attested in besmorchid). Compare Middle English bismotered (“bespattered, soiled”). By surface analysis, be- + smirch.

Example Sentences

• "The newspaper was on a campaign to besmirch the actor."
• "Our gayness and our gilt are all besmirch'd With rainy marching in the painful field"
• ""It may be," he replied, "because I will not encounter the dishonor that besmirches the husband of a faithless woman.[…]""