n.
Pronunciation: ' tär-nish
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English ternysshen, from Middle French terniss-, stem of ternir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German tarnan to hide
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 : to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : SOIL , STAIN
2 a : to detract from the good quality of : VITIATE <his fine dreams now slightly tarnish ed > b : to bring disgrace on : SULLY <the scandal has tarnish ed his reputation>
intransitive verb : to become tarnished
– tar · nish · able \ -ni-sh ə -b ə l \ adjective