To sully means to make something dirty, damaged, or less respected—usually by adding something negative or unwanted. It’s most often used when someone’s reputation, image, or honor is spoiled.
In everyday talk, you’ll hear people say things like “The scandal sullied the CEO’s name” or “I won’t let one mistake sully my whole career.” It’s a quick, punchy way to say “tainted” or “stained” without sounding too dramatic. Friends might joke, “Don’t sully my playlist with country songs,” showing it can be playful or serious.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “The leaked emails sullied Google’s image.”
- “One bad review can sully a small restaurant’s reputation.”
- “He refused to sully his hands with such shady deals.”
Context / Common Use
“Sully” pops up in news headlines and casual chats alike. Journalists use it when talking about scandals, while friends use it to tease each other about small missteps. It’s stronger than “hurt” but softer than “destroy.”
Is “sully” formal or informal?
It sits in the middle—formal enough for news reports yet light enough for everyday speech.
Can objects be sullied, or only reputations?
Both. A dress can be sullied with mud, and a brand can be sullied by bad press.
What’s a quick synonym?
Tarnish or stain works in most cases.
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