besmirching

Definitions

The act of damaging the reputation of someone or something in the opinion of others.

The act of staining, soiling, or discoloring something.

Examples

The politician was accused of besmirching his opponent's reputation with a series of baseless lies.

She refused to let the scandal succeed in besmirching the legacy of her family's charitable foundation.

Synonyms

tarnishing slandering defaming smearing disgracing sullying vilifying

Antonyms

honoring exalting praising vindicating cleansing lauding glorifying