1. (

• tarnish

) discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation ;

1. (

• tarnish ,
• stain ,
• maculate ,
• sully ,
• defile

) 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" ;