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Defame vs Tarnish - What's the difference?

defame | tarnish | Related terms |

Tarnish is a synonym of defame.



As verbs the difference between defame and tarnish

is that defame is to harm or diminish the reputation of while tarnish is to oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.

As a noun tarnish is

oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

defame

English

Verb

(defam)
  • To harm or diminish the reputation of.
    • to defame somebody
  • To render infamous; to bring into disrepute.
  • * Dryden
    • My guilt thy growing virtues did defame ; / My blackness blotted thy unblemish'd name.
  • To publish a libel about.
  • (archaic) To charge; to accuse.
  • * Rebecca is defamed of sorcery practised on the person of a noble knight.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    Related terms

    * defamatory * defamation

    External links

    * *

    tarnish

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.

    • Verb

    (es)
  • To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
    • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing .
  • To soil, sully, damage or compromise
    • He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  • (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
  • * Dryden
    • Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, / Grow stale and tarnish with our daily sight.