mancillar
to tarnish
verb mahn-see-YAHR Rare
Origin: From Old Spanish mancilla (stain, blemish), ultimately related to Latin macula (spot).
Also means
to sully
Usage Note
Mancillar is a formal, literary verb meaning to stain one's honour, name, or reputation. It rarely describes physical staining — manchar is used for that. The noun mancilla (blemish, dishonour) survives mainly in formal or archaic texts.
Examples
"No permitiré que mancillen el honor de nuestra familia."
Natural Translation
I will not allow them to tarnish our family's honour.
Related Words
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