blemishing
Leaving a mark
Blemishing is marring or spoiling something's appearance or quality.
A scratch blemishes a polished surface; a scandal blemishes a reputation.
The word suggests damage that doesn't destroy but diminishes: The accusation was blemishing his otherwise spotless record.
What remains is still recognizable, just no longer unblemished.
Permanent mark from healing
scratch · gouge · dent · chip · gash · abrasion · scrape · groove
Deliberately damage property
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- defaceDamage a surface's appearance
- disfigureDamage appearance permanently
- desecrateViolate what's sacred
defile · scribble · scratch · gouge · etch · carve · mark · tag
scar
Permanent mark from healing
nick · scratch · gouge · dent · chip · gash · abrasion · scrape · groove · indent
vandalize
Deliberately damage property
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- defaceDamage a surface's appearance
- disfigureDamage appearance permanently
desecrate · defile · scribble · scratch · gouge · etch · carve · mark · tag · scar
spoil
Damage or overindulge
diminish · detract · compromise · undermine · blight · erode · degrade · sully · damage · harm
smudge
Unclear dirty mark
discolor · soil · splotch · streak · taint · spill · splatter · drip · splodge · mottle
- discolorationdiscoloration, stain, stains, staining, spots
- surface finishesmatte, satin, gloss, paint, finish coat
blemishingbeautifying
Making more attractive
perfecting · enhancing · polishing · embellishing · improving
blemishinghonoring
Recognizing with respect
exalting · glorifying · elevating · vindicating · ennobling