to smear or cover something with a greasy or dirty substance, to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them

besmear oneself with glory, besmear someone's character, besmear someone's name

Formal and Informal Expressions of besmear

In different contexts, you can replace 'besmear' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'smear, sully' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'daub, stain' is a commonplace synonym.

besmear: Explore its Definition & Usage

besmear Definition

1to smear or cover something with a greasy or dirty substance
2to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them

Using besmear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "besmear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The child besmeared his face with chocolate.
Example
The politician was besmeared by his opponent during the election campaign.
Example
The mud besmeared the walls of the house after the flood.
Example
The company's reputation was besmeared by the scandal.

besmear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for besmear

Phrases with besmear

besmear oneself with glory
to try to make oneself look good or successful, often in a way that is not sincere or honest
Example
He tried to besmear himself with glory by taking credit for other people's work.
besmear someone's character
to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them
Example
The opposition party tried to besmear the candidate's character by accusing him of corruption.
besmear someone's name
to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them
Example
The tabloid newspaper besmeared the actress's name by publishing false stories about her personal life.

Origins of besmear

from Old English 'besmirian', meaning 'to smear all over'

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Summary: besmear in Brief

'Besmear' [bih-smir] is a verb that means to smear or cover something with a greasy or dirty substance, or to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them. It can be used in phrases like 'besmear oneself with glory,' meaning to try to make oneself look good or successful in a way that is not sincere or honest, or 'besmear someone's character,' meaning to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies or rumors about them.