bespatter
Americanverb (used with object)
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to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.
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to slander or libel.
a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.
verb
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to splash all over, as with dirty water
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to defile; slander; besmirch
Etymology
Origin of bespatter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And knock down worth, bespatter merit: Don't stint—all will your scandal credit.
From Fables of John Gay (Somewhat Altered) by Gay, John
Far be it from me, however, to bespatter his character by avowing him negligent in performing his duty in this case, whilst lauding him for his honest devotion to his masters.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 94, August, 1865 by Various
"For that reason," she answered sharply—"lest the disgrace bespatter my kinsman, Sir Peter, and his sweet lady."
From The Reckoning by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)
As Stars may without Pillories dispence, To slit some Ears for Forgeries of sense, Which Princes, Nobles, and the Fame of Men, Sought to bespatter by a worthless Pen.
From Anti-Achitophel (1682) Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Jones, Harold Whitmore
The roar of the surf is so great that we cannot hear each other speak, and the rain and foam bespatter our faces.
From Round the Wonderful World by Forrest, A. S. (Archibald Stevenson)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
