Smirch

To damage the reputation, character, or appearance of something or someone; to soil or sully. It often implies a slight, subtle, or indirect action that leaves a stain or blemish, whether physical or figurative. Smirching can apply to anything that is defiled, tarnished, or degraded, from a person's name to a physical object. The act implies an intentional or unintentional act that diminishes the value or perception of the subject. It conveys a sense of stain, disrepute, and a lessening of esteem. The concept highlights the vulnerability of reputation to attacks or negligence.

Smirch meaning with examples

• The tabloid's sensationalized story threatened to smirch the actress's carefully cultivated public image, even though the allegations remained unsubstantiated. The article created a media firestorm, quickly eroding public trust. This had the effect of tainting her career prospects. It was an attempt to damage her reputation for profit and popularity, rather than reporting factual events.
• His careless handling of the antique vase served to smirch its delicate porcelain surface with unsightly smudges, thereby lessening its monetary value. The blemishes, due to oil from his hands, were permanent. His carelessness, despite claiming innocence, meant that the artifact would no longer display its true value for posterity, thus reducing its worth in time.
• Accusations of financial impropriety threatened to smirch the reputation of the charitable organization, leading to a decline in donations and public support, thus making the organization look tarnished in the long run. The trustees worked fast to attempt damage control. The public scrutiny, as it was, diminished its credibility.
• The mud and grime from the construction site managed to smirch the pristine white paint of the newly built house, adding an unwelcome contrast to the facade. The homeowners, devastated by this, had to pay further to return it to its former glory. The whole episode served to cause a lot of emotional pain to the family.
• His repeated procrastination started to smirch his otherwise impeccable record at work, prompting his supervisor to question his reliability and work ethic. His tardiness, along with his lack of attention to detail, led to problems. His colleagues noted that the problems and stress were clearly beginning to show.