ADV
badly
Her family's reputation was badly tarnished after the scandal became public.
ADV
severely
The scandal severely tarnished the company's image, and customers stopped buying their products.
noun
Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
1918, Hannah Teresa Rowley, Mrs. Helen Louise (Wales) Farrell, Principles of Chemistry Applied to the Household Precipitated calcium carbonate, a very fine powdery form, is used as a basis for many tooth powders and pastes. As whiting it finds a wide use in cleaning metals of their tarnishes.
Limiting the use of silver to special occasions might invite tarnish unless the pieces are carefully protected.
verb
To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.
To compromise, damage, soil, or sully.
He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.
I have next shown you the Greeks, and " the wisdom" of their philosophy, often travesting, sometimes tarnishing the Christian religion : […]
To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
Till thy freſh Glories, which now ſhine ſo bright, / Grow Stale and Tarniſh with our dayly ſight.
To use a sign, image, expression, etc. sufficiently close to a trademarked one that it brings disrepute to it.
1918, Hannah Teresa Rowley, Mrs. Helen Louise (Wales) Farrell, Principles of Chemistry Applied to the Household Precipitated calcium carbonate, a very fine powdery form, is used as a basis for many to
WiktionaryLimiting the use of silver to special occasions might invite tarnish unless the pieces are carefully protected.
WiktionaryCareful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.
WiktionaryHe is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.
WiktionaryI have next shown you the Greeks, and " the wisdom" of their philosophy, often travesting, sometimes tarnishing the Christian religion : […]
WiktionaryHe is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
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In some senses, tarnish is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.