smirch etymology

Etymology

The word "smirch" comes from the Middle English word "smirken," which itself derives from the Old English "smearcian," meaning "to smear" or "to cause to appear dirty."

Meaning

  • To make dirty or dingy
  • To taint or damage (a reputation or character)
  • To tarnish or discolor

Origin

The word "smirch" originated in the 12th century. It was originally used to refer to the act of physically smearing or staining something. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of damaging or tarnishing something, particularly someone's reputation or character.

Example Sentences

  • "The mud from the street smudged her white dress."
  • "Her reputation was smirched by the false accusations."
  • "The scandal smudged the image of the company."

smirch relate terms

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    Etymology The word mordant derives from the Middle French word mordre meaning to b

  • besmirch

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  • smirch

    Etymology The word smirch comes from the Middle English word smirken which itself de

  • defame

    Etymology and Origin of Defame The word defame originates from the Latin word diffa

  • slander

    Etymology The word slander is derived from the Old French term esclandre which means

  • smear

    Etymology The word smear comes from the Middle English word smere which means fat

  • traduce

    etimología significado y origen

  • educrat

    Etymology Educrat is a portmanteau of the words educate and bureaucrat Meaning A

  • blot

    Etymology Middle English blott blot from Proto Germanic blōdaz meaning stain blo

  • bolt

    Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t

  • smudge

    Etymology Middle English smogen from Old English smōcian meaning to smoke smolder

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t