definition of
besmirch

[1] #1 besmirch v. [defame, slander, smirch, asperse, denigrate, calumniate, smear, sully] charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone; "The journalists have defamed me!" "The article in the paper sullied my reputation". wn

[2] #2 besmirch v. [smirch] smear so as to make dirty or stained. wn