smirch

UK: /smɜːtʃ/ US: /smɝtʃ/ ,(smûrch)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

smirch /smɜrtʃ/   v. [~ + object]

1. to make dirty.
2. to harm or ruin (a reputation, etc.);
   disgrace;
   discredit.

n. [countable]

3. a dirty mark or smear.
4. a stain or blot, as on a reputation.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

smirch  (smûrch), v.t. 

1. to discolor or soil;
   spot or smudge with or as with soot, dust, dirt, etc.
2. to sully or tarnish (a person, reputation, character, etc.);
   disgrace;
   discredit.

n. 

3. a dirty mark or smear, as of soot, dust, dirt, etc.
4. a stain or blot, as on reputation.

• origin, originally uncertain 1485–95

smirch′less, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. smear, smut, dirty.
• 2. taint, blot.
• 3. smudge, smut, smutch.
• 4. taint.

Antonyms

• 1. clean.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

smirch / smɜːtʃ/ verb (transitive)

1. to dirty; soil

noun

1. the act of smirching or state of being smirched
2. a smear or stain

Etymology: 15th Century smorchen, of unknown origin