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blot

blot

3 6.3
A mark that damages a person's reputation or record
  • noun
  • /blɑt/
translation icon : mancha
  • The only blot on this scene of domestic bliss was the marriage of the duchess in 1656.

That was a hideous blot on, you know, the world at that point.

Examples

  • Sad to say, it's a blot on the whole university.

    Blog text (32)
  • The scandal left a permanent blot on her otherwise stellar career.

  • Thus there shall be no blot on your record or on your name.

  • But it was still stuck there, a blot on the beauty of his little corner of nature.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • I tell you, this is a horrible blot on Roman justice.

  • This is a blot on your copybook.

  • It's a blot on the record, to the detriment of all involved.

    Blog text (4)
  • The Jewish question, however, remains a blot on Vincent's record.

    Blog text (14)
  • There was no greater blot on America's reputation than this.

    Blog text (4)
  • His reference to that singular blot on my employment history was gratuitous and not appreciated.

    Fiction book (1999)

Synonyms

smear
vsblot
49 5.7

A false or unfair statement meant to hurt someone's reputation

is the neutral word for reputation damage that may be truthful
stain
vsblot
34 6.8

A mark on someone's reputation that makes others respect them less

is the neutral single-word label for the same reputational harm
black eye
vsblot
  • Informal
9 4.7

An event that hurts how people see someone

is the wider term focusing on disgrace rather than mere embarrassment
black mark
vsblot
7 5.8

A thing that makes people think less of someone

is the broader neutral label for reputational damage not only lasting signs
tache
vsblot
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A mark that harms a person's reputation

is the more general term for such blemishes and stains
shit stain
vsblot
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A rude word for a lasting mark that hurts someone's reputation

is the nonvulgar, neutral word for the same lasting mark of shame
blot on the escutcheon
vsblot
  • Archaic
9.9

A single event that harms a person or group's good reputation

is the shorter single-word term used more generally
smirch
vsblot
  • Archaic
9.9

An action that makes someone look bad

is the broader label for such damaging acts or events
besmirchment
vsblot
  • Formal
9.0

Damage to a person's good name by saying untrue things

is the general term for damage that appears as disgrace or stain
blackwash
vsblot
9.9

An attempt to damage someone's reputation by making false claims

is the general term for damage that need not be intentional

Antonyms

honor
  • US
2.2

Respect given to a person for good moral behavior

Idioms

A single event that harms a person or group's good reputation

How Damaging

scandal
  • Literature
564 2.8
stain
34 6.8
disgrace
157 3.7
blot
3 6.3
misstep
44 5.3
blemish
15 3.9

Surface Forms

blot singular
blots plural

Etymology

Blot meaning a disgrace developed from the simple idea of a 'stain' on cloth or paper, which people then used as a picture for a fault on a person's record. That's why a blot on your record means a mark that harms your reputation.