— tarnishable , adj.
/tahr"nish/ , v.t.
1. to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), esp. by oxidation; discolor.
2. to diminish or destroy the purity of; stain; sully: The scandal tarnished his reputation.
v.i.
3. to grow dull or discolored; lose luster.
4. to become sullied.
n.
5. a tarnished coating.
6. tarnished condition; discoloration; alteration of the luster of a metal.
7. a stain or blemish.
[ 1590-1600; terniss-, long s. of ternir to dull, deaden, deriv. of terne dull, wan tarni, c. OS derni, OE dierne hidden, obscure; see -ISH 2 ]
Syn. 2. taint, blemish, soil.
Ant. 1. brighten.