1. To stain or to lose brightness or luster; especially, because of exposure to dirt, dampness, or air: Silver can tarnish easily and needs to be cleaned regularly to keep its brilliancy.
2. To make less valuable; to disgrace; to degrade; to dishonor: The scandal in the news certainly tarnished Mr. Smith's reputation as a good mayor of his city.
3. Etymology: from French ternir, "to make dull"; from terne, "lusterless". © ALL rights are reserved.

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