Main Entry: ¹tar·nish

Pronunciation: \ˈtär-nish\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English ternysshen, from Middle French terniss-, stem of ternir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German tarnan to hide

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : soil, stain
2 a : to detract from the good quality of : vitiate <his fine dreams now slightly tarnished> b : to bring disgrace on : sully <the scandal has tarnished his reputation>intransitive verb : to become tarnished

— tar·nish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective