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to smear
01
to spread a substance over a surface in a messy or uneven manner
Transitive: to smear a substance across a surface | to smear a substance on a surface
Examples
She accidentally smeared ink across the page, leaving a messy blot.
He smeared grease on the gears to keep them running smoothly.
02
to tarnish someone's reputation with unfounded or malicious claims
Transitive: to smear a person or their reputation
Examples
The tabloid newspaper attempted to smear the politician's reputation with baseless allegations of corruption.
His former colleagues attempted to smear his reputation in the industry.
03
to spread a dirty or unclean substance over a surface, resulting in a stain or discoloration
Transitive: to smear a surface | to smear a surface with a dirty substance
Examples
The children 's hands were smeared with colorful markers after a day of crafting and drawing.
The mechanic 's hands were smeared with engine grease after working on the car.
04
(climbing) to use the friction of one's shoe against the rock surface to gain traction and support
Intransitive
Examples
He had to smear on the smooth rock face to find purchase.
The climber relied on precise foot placements to smear effectively.
Smear
01
an act that brings discredit to the person who does it
02
a blemish made by dirt
03
a thin tissue or blood sample spread on a glass slide and stained for cytologic examination and diagnosis under a microscope
04
slanderous defamation
