smirch
UK: smɜːtʃ | US: smɜːrtʃ
vt. to dirty or stain (literally or figuratively)
n. a stain or blot, especially on one's reputation
"Smirch" traces back to Old English smerian (to smear), blending with Middle English smerchen (to soil). The word evolved to connote both physical staining (e.g., dirt) and metaphorical tarnishing (e.g., reputation). The suffix "-ch" reinforces its verbal action, mirroring similar constructions like "besmirch." Its dual meaning reflects the historical overlap between tangible and moral impurity.
The scandal smirched his political career irreparably.
Mud smirched her white dress during the hike.
He tried to smirch his rival’s name with false accusations.
The document was smirched with ink blots.
No amount of apologies could remove the smirch on her integrity.