0 present participle of tarnish
1 to make or (especially of metal) become less bright or a different colour
2 to make people think that someone or something is less good:
The president justifies a greater role for himself by tarnishing the legitimacy and representative nature of the legislative branch as a competitor for power.
Regrettably, the companies that have been victims of these activities remain silent for fear of tarnishing their image.
Regrettably, in some instances there was occasional tarnishing of standards, but the issue was fraught with such possibilities.
This handful of authorities is tarnishing the reputation and honourable traditions of the majority.
Will he not take the present opportunity of exposing those jewels to the open air, or is he afraid of tarnishing them?
This arbitrary test would not guarantee the identification of authorities facing financial crises, while running the risk of needlessly tarnishing the reputation of an authority with sound finances.
The whole exterior was covered with a coat of clear varnish to prevent tarnishing.
Use a non-abrasive silver cloth or soft lint free cloth to polish jewelry and remove tarnishing.
