Word a Day
besmirch
What does besmirch mean?
besmirch (verb): to tarnish something, especially someone's reputation.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use besmirch in a sentence?
- The newspaper was on a campaign to besmirch the actor. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where does besmirch come from?
From Middle English besmorchen (attested in besmorchid).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “besmirch”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “besmirch” mean?
to tarnish something, especially someone's reputation
Right! That's what “besmirch” means.
to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of
Not quite: that's what avert means.
to surreptitiously penetrate, enter or gain access to
Not quite: that's what infiltrate means.
to end a law, system, institution, custom or practice
Not quite: that's what abolish means.
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