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Added 9 October 2026

tarnish

/ˈtɑːnɪʃ/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about tarnish at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

verb

To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.
To compromise, damage, soil, or sully.
He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.
To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.

Origin

From Middle English ternysshen, from Old French terniss-, stem of ternir (“to make dim, make wan”), borrowed from Old High German *ternen, tarnen, from Proto-West Germanic *darnijan (“to conceal”). Doublet of dern and darn.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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