n. 25B6; verb
gold does not tarnish easily : DISCOLOUR, rust, oxidize, corrode, stain, dull, blacken.
it tarnished his reputation : SULLY, blacken, stain, blemish, blot, taint, soil, ruin, disgrace, mar, damage, harm, hurt, undermine, dishonour, stigmatize; poetic/literary besmirch.
polish, enhance.
25B6; noun
the tarnish on the candlesticks : DISCOLORATION, oxidation, rust; film.
the tarnish on his reputation : SMEAR, stain, blemish, blot, taint, stigma.