Besmirch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Besmirched; p. pr. & vb. n. Besmirching.]
To smirch or soil; to discolor; to obscure. Hence: To dishonor; to sully. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists besmirch only as an antonym, under cleanse.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given