smirch
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //smɪrʧ//
KK: /smɪrʧ/
noun
Definition
A mark or stain that makes something dirty or less clean.
Example
There was a smirch on the wall from the spilled paint.
Conversation
I spilled some coffee on my shirt this morning.
Oh no! That sounds like a smirch that won't come out easily.
Yeah, I'm worried it might leave a permanent mark.
Maybe you should try some stain remover before it sets.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stain
blemish
smudge
Antonyms
purity
cleanliness
clarity
transitive verb
Definition
To make something dirty or to damage someone's reputation by saying bad things about them.
Example
The scandal smirched his reputation in the community.
Tense Forms
Past: smirched
Past Participle: smirched
Conversation
Did you hear what happened to Jake at the party last night?
Yeah, I heard someone tried to smirch his reputation.
It's crazy how quickly rumors can spread and smirch someone's name.
Root Explanation
Smirch originates from Middle English 'smerchen', meaning to stain or sully, which is derived from Old English 'smercan', meaning to smear or to make dirty. The word describes the act of making something dirty or tarnished.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'smercan' which means to smear — this helps you remember that 'smirch' means to stain or make dirty.
Visually Confused Words
smich
semiarch
besmirch
smitch
mirach