Associations to the word «Tarnish»

Wiktionary

TARNISH, noun. Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
TARNISH, verb. (intransitive) To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
TARNISH, verb. (transitive) To soil, sully, damage or compromise
TARNISH, verb. (intransitive) (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.

Dictionary definition

TARNISH, noun. Discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation.
TARNISH, verb. Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man".

Wise words

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
Noam Chomsky