tarnish tarnish

noun

discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation  ( tarnish )
discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation

verb

() make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically  ( defile, maculate, stain, sully, tarnish )
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
 The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air
The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air
 Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man
Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man