besmirch
What does "besmirch" mean?
To "besmirch" means to damage someone's reputation or to make something dirty, literally or figuratively. Imagine someone taking a clean, white cloth and rubbing soot or mud into it; the word carries that sense of intentional staining or tarnishing of something that was previously pristine. It is a formal and somewhat dramatic term, often used in legal, political, or storytelling contexts. You will most frequently see it used alongside words like "reputation," "honor," or "name," as in "besmirching one's good name." It implies a malicious act meant to soil the character or integrity of a person or institution.
"besmirch" in conversation
Office gossip
I heard he's trying to besmirch her reputation to get the promotion.
I heard he's trying to besmirch her reputation to get the promotion.
That's low. She's worked too hard for that.
That's low. She's worked too hard for that.
Used to describe a calculated effort to ruin someone's professional standing.
Historical drama
You dare besmirch the honor of my house with such lies?
You dare besmirch the honor of my house with such lies?
I speak only the truth, my Lord.
I speak only the truth, my Lord.
Highlights the dramatic, formal tone often found in literature or period pieces.
"besmirch" in a sentence
The mud besmirched her clean dress.
The mud besmirched her clean dress.
He refused to let anyone besmirch his family's legacy.
He refused to let anyone besmirch his family's legacy.
The scandalous allegations were clearly intended to besmirch the senator's character before the election.
The scandalous allegations were clearly intended to besmirch the senator's character before the election.
