Depolish

/dɪˈpɑːlɪʃ/ verb

Definition

To remove the polish from a surface; to dull or make less shiny something that was previously polished.

Etymology

From de- (reverse action) + polish (to make smooth and shiny), from Old French polir. Relatively rare in modern usage but follows standard English word-formation patterns.

Kelly Says

While depolish is a real word, it's barely used anymore because people usually just say 'dull' or 'scuff'—but it perfectly captures the reversal of polishing, which shows how English can break down actions!

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