besmear

[bih-smeer]

verb (used with object)

1. to smear all over; bedaub.

2. to sully; defile; soil.

   to besmear someone's reputation.

besmear

/ bɪˈsmɪə /

verb

1. to smear over; daub

2. to sully; defile (often in the phrase besmear ( a person's ) reputation )

Other Word Forms

• besmearer noun
• unbesmeared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of besmear¹

before 1050; Middle English bismeren, Old English besmerian. See be-, smear

Example Sentences

“Stoop, Romans, stoop/ And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood/ Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords,” Brutus cries after the assassination.

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They had thrown away their hats and coats, and besmeared with powder and smoke were loading and firing, each for himself.

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With blood besmeared, and white with foam, While big the tears of anguish pour, He seeks, amid the forest's gloom, The humble hermit's hallowed bower.

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An instant after, four Indians entered the room, all armed with tomahawks, and all besmeared with blood, upon every part of their bodies.

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To daub over; to besmear or soil with anything thick and dirty.

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