smirch

smirch

verb \ˈsmərch\

Definition of SMIRCH

transitive verb

1

a : to make dirty, stained, or discolored : sully b : to smear with something that stains or dirties

2

: to bring discredit or disgrace on

— smirch noun

Examples of SMIRCH

1. <their clothes were smirched by dust from the trail>
2. <this scandal will forever smirch the name of a once-great family>

Origin of SMIRCH

Middle English smorchen

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SMIRCH

Synonyms: befoul, begrime, bemire, besmirch, blacken, daub, distain [archaic], foul, gaum [dialect], grime, mire, muck, muddy, dirty, smudge, soil, stain, sully

Antonyms: clean, cleanse

Related Words: contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; discolor; confuse, disarrange, disarray, dishevel, disorder, draggle, jumble, mess, muddle; colly [chiefly British dialect], crock [dialect]

Near Antonyms: decontaminate, purge, purify; disinfect, sanitize; brush, dry-clean, dust, launder, mop, rinse, scour, scrub, sweep, wash, wipe; brighten, deodorize, freshen, renew, spruce (up); straighten (up), tidy (up)

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Rhymes with SMIRCH

birch, church, Church, curch, lurch, merch, perch, search