First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1tarnish
verb tar·nish \ˈtär-nish\
: to become or cause (metal) to become dull and not shiny
: to damage or ruin the good quality of (something, such as a person's reputation, image, etc.)
Full Definition of TARNISH
transitive verb
2
intransitive verb
: to become tarnished
— tar·nish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of TARNISH
Middle English ternysshen, from Middle French terniss-, stem of ternir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German tarnan to hide
2tarnish
noun
: a thin layer on the surface of metal which makes the metal look dull
Full Definition of TARNISH
: something that tarnishes; especially : a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (as silver)
See tarnish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TARNISH
1684
TARNISH[1] Defined for Kids
1tarnish
verb tar·nish \ˈtär-nish\
tar·nishedtar·nish·ing
Definition of TARNISH for Kids
1
: to make or become dull, dim, or discolored
2
: to bring disgrace or ruin <The scandal tarnished his reputation.>
2tarnish
noun
Definition of TARNISH for Kids
: a surface coating formed during tarnishing
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