tar´nish|a|ble

tar|nish «TAHR nihsh», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to dull the luster or brightness of: »

Salt will tarnish silver.

SYNONYM(S): blacken.

2. Figurative. to bring disgrace upon (a reputation, one's honor, or the like); sully; taint: »

The expedition's triumph was somewhat tarnished by dissension and subsequent recrimination (Atlantic).

–v.i.

1. to lose luster or brightness; grow dull or dim; discolor: »

The brass doorknob tarnished.

SYNONYM(S): blacken.

2. Figurative. to grow less appealing; become uninviting; pall; fade.

–n.

1. the fact or condition of being tarnished; loss of luster or brightness.

2. a discolored coating, especially on silver.

3. Figurative. any unattractiveness or blemish; blot: »

The Savoy operas are still a joy, no tarnish on them (Punch).

╂[< Middle French terniss-, stem of ternir < terne dark, dull, perhaps < Germanic (compare Middle High German tarnen, ternen darken)]

–tar´nish|a|ble, adjective.