is a verb that means to damage the purity, luster, or beauty of something—essentially, to stain or soil it. While it can describe physical dirt, it is most often used metaphorically to describe harming someone's reputation or "good name". Usage & Meaning

: To literally dirty or stain a surface (e.g., "muddy boots besmirched the new carpet").

: We have William Shakespeare to thank for popularized use of "besmirch," a variation of the simpler "smirch," which also means to stain or soil. Synonyms : Sully , blacken, defile, slander, and smear. Antonyms : Honor, enhance, clean, and purify. Popular References Besmirch - CoolStuffInc.com

: To sully or tarnish a person's standing (e.g., "the scandal besmirched the politician's career").

: Frequently used in literature to describe a loss of dignity or purity. Word Origins