Definitions
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
Word origin
From Middle English ternysshen, from Old French terniss-, stem of ternir (“to make dim, make wan”), borrowed from Old High German *ternen, tarnen, from Proto-West Germanic *darnijan (“to conceal”). Doublet of dern and darn.
Used in a sentence
“Limiting the use of silver to special occasions might invite tarnish unless the pieces are carefully protected.”
“Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing.”
“He is afraid that she will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees with her.”
Source: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0
Used as a crossword answer1 curated clues
01“Dull a shine”7 letters
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