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Definition of "besmirch" [be•smirch]

  • To stain; sully: a reputation that was besmirched by slander. (verb-transitive)
  • To make dirty; soil. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "besmirch" in a sentence
  • "GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A warning from Michael Jackson's attorney to those who want to -- quote -- "besmirch" the king of pop's reputation."
  • "The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has disputed Mhlongo's testimony, saying he was being used to "besmirch" the ANC."
  • "The TRC's findings were also "capricious and arbitrary" and would "besmirch" the legitimate struggle against apartheid .."