sully
v. C1 Advanced US //ˈsəɫi// UK //sˈʌli// sul·ly
v. to damage the purity or good reputation of something. You use this when something that was clean or respected becomes dirty or shamed.
v. to damage the purity or integrity of something; to tarnish a reputation or record. Often used figuratively to describe the loss of moral standing or honor.
The scandal will sully the politician's reputation.
He refused to take the bribe because he did not want to sully his family name.
The once-pristine landscape was sullied by the construction of massive industrial complexes that leaked pollutants into the local water supply.
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'reputation', 'name', or 'honor'.