an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation, a mark or stain that damages the appearance of something

wipe the slate clean (of something), throw mud at someone, give someone a black eye

slur over, cast a slur on, slur one's words

Formal and Informal Expressions of slur

In different contexts, you can replace 'slur' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'disparagement, insinuation' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'dig, put-down' is a commonplace synonym.

slur: Explore its Definition & Usage

slur Definition

1an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation
2a mark or stain that damages the appearance of something

Using slur: Examples

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

Example
The politician made a slur against his opponent's character.
Example
The graffiti on the wall was a slur against the neighborhood.
Example
The wine stain left a slur on the carpet.
Example
The singer was criticized for using a racial slur in her song lyrics.

slur Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slur

Antonyms for slur

Idioms Using slur

wipe the slate clean (of something)
to forget or forgive past offenses or mistakes
Example
After apologizing, he hoped to wipe the slate clean of the racial slur he had made.
throw mud at someone
to make false accusations or insinuations about someone in order to damage their reputation
Example
The opposing candidate threw mud at him during the election campaign.
give someone a black eye
to damage someone's reputation or cause them embarrassment
Example
The scandal gave the company a black eye in the media.

Phrases with slur

slur over
to treat something quickly or superficially, without giving it the attention it deserves
Example
He slurred over the details of the project during the presentation.
cast a slur on
to make an insulting or damaging insinuation about someone or something
Example
The article cast a slur on the reputation of the company.
slur one's words
to speak unclearly or indistinctly, often due to drunkenness or illness
Example
He had too much to drink and began to slur his words.

Origins of slur

from Middle English 'scluren', meaning 'to drag the feet, shuffle'

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Summary: slur in Brief

The term 'slur' [slɜːr] refers to an insinuation or allegation that insults or damages someone's reputation. It can also refer to a mark or stain that damages the appearance of something. Examples include 'The politician made a slur against his opponent's character.' and 'The wine stain left a slur on the carpet.' Phrases like 'slur over' denote treating something superficially, while idioms like 'throw mud at someone' describe making false accusations to damage someone's reputation.