Definitions

1. verb

to damage or tarnish the reputation or character of someone or something, often by means of false or malicious statements or actions.

“The politician’s reputation was besmirched by the scandal.”

2. verb

to stain or sully something, especially in a way that is difficult to remove.

“The mud besmirched the white dress.”

3. noun

an act of damaging or tarnishing the reputation or character of someone or something.

“The newspaper’s headline was a deliberate attempt to besmirch the candidate’s reputation.”