blemish

[blem-ish]

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy or diminish the perfection of.

   The book is blemished by those long, ineffective descriptions.

   Synonyms: deface, impair, damage, mar, injure, taint, tarnish, spot, sully, stain
   Antonyms: repair, purify

noun

1. a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.

2. a defect or flaw; stain; blight.

   a blemish on his record.

   Synonyms: taint, speck, spot, blot

blemish

/ ˈblɛmɪʃ /

noun

1. a defect; flaw; stain

verb

1. (tr) to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish

Other Word Forms

• blemisher noun
• unblemished adjective
• unblemishing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blemish¹

1275–1325; Middle English (v.) < Anglo-French, Middle French blemiss-, long stem of ble ( s ) mir to make livid, perhaps < Old Low Franconian *blesmjan; blaze ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of blemish¹

C14: from Old French blemir to make pale, probably of Germanic origin

Synonym Study

See defect.

Example Sentences

A bogey on the 18th was the only blemish on Fleetwood's total of 13 under as he put himself in a strong position for a first ever PGA Tour victory.

From BBC

After that setback, which was the only major blemish in an otherwise exceptional round, Woad made two solid pars to finish.

From BBC

The only blemish on Takeda's scorecard was a double-bogey seven at the ninth, with four birdies on the back nine putting her alongside Okayama at the top of the leaderboard.

From BBC

Scheffler completed his day's work without a blemish on the card, an eagle and two birdies perfectly timed to ease himself clear of his rivals at just the right moments.

From BBC

“You know how in school, we talk about moments in history that are blemishes?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blot 
• blotch 
• bruise 
• discoloration 
• freckle 
• imperfection 
• pimple 
• scar 
• smudge 
• snag 
• stain 
• stigma 
• wart