defame vs smirch

defame is not a noun while smirch is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
defame	No	No	Yes	No
smirch	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, defame and smirch are synonyms defined as:

defame and smirch: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

Other synonyms of defame include asperse, besmirch, calumniate, denigrate, slander, smear, sully.

defame (noun)	smirch (noun)
	an act that brings discredit to the person who does it
	a blemish made by dirt

defame (verb)	smirch (verb)
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone	charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
	smear so as to make dirty or stained