Definitions

1. verb

to sully or tarnish the reputation of someone or something

“The scandal was designed to besmutch the company’s image.”

2. verb (obsolete)

to sully or stain with dirt or grime

“The path was besmutched by the mud from the previous night’s rain.”

3. noun (rare)

an act of sulllying or tarnishing someone’s reputation

“The besmutch of the politician’s scandal was a major controversy.”