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smirch

 - 2 dictionary results

smirch

  [smurch]
Use smirch in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to discolor or soil; spot or smudge with or as with soot, dust, dirt, etc.
2. to sully or tarnish (a person, reputation, character, etc.); disgrace; discredit.
–noun
3. a dirty mark or smear, as of soot, dust, dirt, etc.
4. a stain or blot, as on reputation.
Origin:
1485–95; orig. uncert.

Related forms:
smirchless, adjective

Synonyms:
1. smear, smut, dirty. 2. taint, blot. 3. smudge, smut, smutch. 4. taint.

Antonyms:
1. clean.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To smirch
smirch   (smûrch)   
tr.v.   smirched, smirch·ing, smirch·es

  1. To soil, stain, or dirty with or as if with a smearing agent: "their tough, hostile faces, smirched by the grime and rust" (Henry Roth).

  2. To dishonor; defame.

n.  Something, such as a blot, smear, or stain, that smirches.

[Middle English smorchen.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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