besmirch v. + Add to list UK //bɪsmˈɜːtʃ// be·smirch Literary SynonymsEtymology Synonyms aspersecalumniatedefamedenigrateslandersmearsmirchsullyOriginMEbesmorchen→ENbesmirch From Middle English besmorchen (attested in besmorchid). Compare Middle English bismotered (“bespattered, soiled”). By surface analysis, be- + smirch.