Tarnish

To make or become dull or discolored, especially through exposure to air, moisture, or wear. It can refer to the corrosion of metals, the dulling of a surface, or the staining of reputation, character, or quality. The process often involves a chemical reaction that alters the appearance or value of something, gradually diminishing its luster, brightness, or desirability. It can be either a physical change or a metaphorical one reflecting loss of integrity or honor. The impact of Tarnish is often viewed as undesirable or harmful, suggesting a decline from a previous state of quality or value.

Tarnish meaning with examples

• The silver candlesticks, once gleaming, began to Tarnish after years of infrequent use and exposure to the humid air. The homeowner decided to polish them, trying to restore their original brilliance. This experience taught her the importance of regular cleaning to prevent this. She vowed to be diligent to keep them looking their best, avoiding further dulling. The visible change showed the effects of time and neglect on metal objects.
• The scandal surrounding the politician's actions threatened to Tarnish his reputation, leading to public outcry and a decline in his support. His attempts to defend his actions only seemed to make things worse, resulting in further public dismay. The unfolding events made him more vulnerable and created doubts about his trustworthiness among his peers. His reputation was ruined, despite initial attempts to repair the damage done.
• Over time, the once pristine paint on the car began to Tarnish, showing signs of wear and tear from constant exposure to the sun and other weather conditions. This slowly developed with scratches. The owner wished to protect it from further oxidation. This situation demonstrated the eventual effects of use and conditions on manufactured objects. This diminished its value overall.
• The company's questionable business practices started to Tarnish their brand image, leading to a drop in customer loyalty and ultimately sales. They had to make changes to rectify the situation. They learned that ethical behavior is key to long-term success. This impacted their bottom line and demonstrated the importance of upholding ethical standards.
• His early successes in the field were starting to Tarnish his legacy with the poor decisions he later made and the controversy he later caused. This became very controversial and divided his fans. He realized this was the only thing he will be remembered for. He tried to correct this but failed.