1. to stain, soil, or tarnish (something); to discolor or mark with dirt or a foreign substance
Usage: archaic or literary
2. to damage the reputation or honor of; to disgrace or dishonor
Usage: archaic or literary

Examples

• The mud distains the white fabric of her dress.
• His cruel actions distain his family's good name.
• Time and weather distain the once-bright paint on the old house.
• Such behavior distains the honor of the institution.
• The scandal distains the reputation he spent years building.
• Rust distains the surface of the metal gate.