sully
word
/ˈsəɫi/
SUH-lee
/sˈʌli/
SUH-lee
Definition
To make something dirty, stained, or damaged, especially someone's reputation or something pure.
Usage & Nuances
Formal, literary, and less common in everyday speech. Often used for reputation, honor, or something pure: 'sully someone's name'. Don't confuse with just 'dirty' (physical)—'sully' usually implies moral or figurative damage.
Spanish: manchar - ensuciar (reputación/honor)Portuguese (BR): manchar - sujar (reputação/honra)Portuguese (PT): manchar - sujar (reputação/honra)Chinese (Simplified): 玷污 - 弄脏 (名誉)Chinese (Traditional): 玷污 - 弄髒 (名譽)Hindi: कलंकित करना - गंदा करना (प्रतिष्ठा)Arabic: يشوّه - يلوث (سمعة/شرف)Bengali: কলঙ্কিত করা - দাগ লাগানো - অপদস্ত করাRussian: очернить - запятнатьJapanese: 汚す - 傷つける（名誉などを）Vietnamese: làm hoen ố - làm ô danhKorean: 더럽히다 - 오점을 남기다Turkish: lekelemek - kirletmek (itibar)Urdu: داغدار کرنا - بدنام کرناIndonesian: làm ô uế - bôi nhọ
Example Sentences
The muddy water sullied her white dress.
basic
He did not want to sully his family's reputation.
basic
It only takes one lie to sully years of trust.
natural
Don't let a small mistake sully your whole record.
natural
Some scandals can sully even the most respected people.
natural
His actions sullied the team's good name.
basic