besmirch
UK: bɪˈsmɜːtʃ | US: bɪˈsmɜːrtʃ
vt. to damage the reputation of someone or something
vt. to make something dirty or stained
The word "besmirch" combines the intensifying prefix "be-" with "smirch," a verb meaning "to soil or tarnish." Originally, "smirch" referred to literal staining (e.g., dirt), but by the 16th century, it gained a figurative sense of damaging reputation. The prefix "be-" amplifies this action, emphasizing thoroughness or severity. The word vividly captures the idea of tarnishing something (or someone) irreversibly, whether physically or metaphorically.
The scandal besmirched his political career.
She refused to let false accusations besmirch her good name.
The mud besmirched his white shirt.
Journalists must avoid publishing stories that could besmirch innocent people.
His lies eventually besmirched the company’s reputation.