mar
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɑɹ// UK //mˈɑː// mar
v. to damage or spoil something so that it is no longer perfect. You use this when a small mistake or mark ruins the appearance or quality of something.
v. to impair the appearance, quality, or perfection of something. Often used in the passive voice to describe physical surfaces or abstract experiences.
A small scratch will mar the surface of the table.
The beautiful view was marred by the construction of several large, grey apartment buildings.
The director's latest film is a masterpiece, though some critics argue that the final scene is marred by an unnecessarily sentimental tone.
Usage
The verb is transitive and often appears in the passive voice ('be marred by').