besmirch

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verb be·smirch \ bi-ˈsmərch , bē- \

Definition of besmirch

transitive verb

:sully, soil

besmirching her reputation

High ideals were besmirched by cruelty and greed …
—R. A. Newhall

See besmirch defined for English-language learners

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Examples of besmirch in a Sentence

inconsiderately besmirched the white bedsheets with their dirty feet

Recent Examples of besmirch from the Web

China’s government often charges its critics with apparently unconnected crimes that seem intended to besmirch their reputations.

— The Economist, "Painted blackCritics of oppressive governments often end up defamed," 13 July 2017
The report did little beyond besmirching Jones’ reputation.

— harold jackson, Philly.com, "People take for granted that some politicians will be corrupt," 19 June 2017
Then, 24 hours later, toothpaste decorates the basin; crumbs crunch underfoot; and grease splatters besmirch the stove.

— janet sheridan, The Denver Post, "Mind’s Eye: The pursuit of dirt and dust balls in the spring," 13 June 2017
The Takeaways Notwithstanding how many on the internet are eager to besmirch Paltrow, Goop’s bourgeois message of self-improvement inspires avid loyalty that is the bedrock of most successful media businesses.

— lucas shaw, Bloomberg.com, "Vegan Ice Cream and Sex Tips Dispensed at Gwyneth’s First Goop Conference," 12 June 2017
Cosby Attorney Angela C. Agrusa Takes on Constand Cosby’s lawyers wasted no time on Tuesday in their ongoing attempts to besmirch Constand’s character.

— maria bustillos, Billboard, "Bill Cosby Trial Day 2: Actor's Team Denied Mistrial in Sexual Assault Case," 7 June 2017
Cosby Attorney Angela C. Agrusa Takes on Constand Cosby’s lawyers wasted no time on Tuesday in their ongoing attempts to besmirch Constand’s character.

— maria bustillos, Billboard, "Bill Cosby Trial Day 2: Actor's Team Denied Mistrial in Sexual Assault Case," 7 June 2017
I am deeply disappointed by these continual attacks on my integrity in an attempt to besmirch my personal and professional reputation.

— alejandra matos, Washington Post, "D.C. investigation: Ex-schools chief gave special treatment with school transfers," 28 Apr. 2017
But some alumni have voiced concern that by focusing on the wrongs of the 19th century, Mr. DeGioia is unnecessarily besmirching the reputation of a venerable institution.

— rachel l. swarns, New York Times, "Moving to Make Amends, Georgetown President Meets With Descendant of Slaves JUNE 14, 2016," 10 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'besmirch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Since the prefix be- in besmirch means "to make or cause to be," when you besmirch something, you cause it to have a smirch. What's a smirch? A smirch is a stain, and "to smirch" is to stain or make dirty. By extension, "to smirch" came to mean "to bring discredit or disgrace on." "Smirch" and "besmirch," then, mean essentially the same thing. We have William Shakespeare to thank for the variation in form. Shakespeare's 1599 use of the term in Henry V is the first known appearance of "besmirch" in English.