mar

Ruin the surface

To mar is to damage or spoil something, diminishing its quality or appearance without completely destroying it: A scratch marred the surface of the table, The scandal marred his reputation.

The damage implied is usually superficial but noticeable—a flaw that detracts from what would otherwise be intact or beautiful. (Capitalized Mar is an abbreviation for March.)

deface

vandalize

Deliberately damage property

graffitiIllegal surface markings
scrawlCareless, illegible writing
scratchSuperficial wound or mark

etch · carve · mutilate · disfigure · deform · distort · mangle · desecrate · violate · tamper

damage

ruin

Complete destruction or collapse

impairTo diminish or damage
degradeLower in standing
compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice

wreck · spoil · diminish · undermine · harm · hurt · detract · sabotage · taint · vitiate

spoil

tarnish

Oxidation discoloration on metal

sullyDamage one's standing
stainLasting surface discoloration
taintMake impure

besmirch · cloud · darken · overshadow · poison · sour · embitter · dampen · diminish

blemish

stain

Lasting surface discoloration

spotMark or location
blotchIrregular colored mark
smudgeUnclear dirty mark

splotch · discoloration · mark · speck · tarnish · imperfection · streak · smear · blot · patch

scar

scratch

Superficial wound or mark

nickShallow surface cut
gougeConcave carving blade
dentShallow surface depression

chip · gash · scrape · score · groove · pit · notch · abrasion · cut · slash

Categories

geografiaAmerica, Africa, Asia, Europa, Oceania
lugarespueblo, casa, barrio, zona, sector
Portugueseobrigado, ola, oi, sim, fado
Catalan Wordshola, si, no, casa, amor
Sanskrit rootsgam, vid, vac, man, da
viajesavion, hotel, turista, vacaciones, check-in

Opposites

quality/condition improvement vs. degradation

Increase in quality

improve · better · perfect · upgrade · uplift

aesthetic effect

Make more attractive

adorn · embellish · enhance · ornament · decorate

restoration vs. damage

Restore to working order

fix · mend · restore · heal · patch

Phrases

Bruno Mars"Grenade" pop singer
life on MarsOrganisms on the fourth planet
Mars barChocolate-covered nougat candy
Mars roverRobotic fourth-planet explorer
Mars missionsSpacecraft sent to fourth planet
Mars colonyHabitation on fourth planet

Family

marred, mars, marring, unmarred

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G