What is the meaning of smirch?

noun

• A blemish made by dirt.
  • usage: "he had a smudge on his cheek"
  • synonyms: smudge, spot, blot, daub, smear, slur
• An act that brings discredit to the person who does it.
  • usage: "he made a huge blot on his copybook"
  • synonyms: blot, smear, spot, stain

verb

• Smear so as to make dirty or stained.
  • synonyms: besmirch
• Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone.
  • usage: "The journalists have defamed me" "The article in the paper sullied my reputation"
  • synonyms: defame, slander, asperse, denigrate, calumniate, smear, sully, besmirch