# sully

/ˈsəɫi/ (US) · /sˈʌli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sully
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to damage the purity or good reputation of something. You use this when something that was clean or respected becomes dirty or shamed.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'reputation', 'name', or 'honor'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.