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Synonyms

bespatter

American  
[bih-spat-er] / bɪˈspæt ər /

verb (used with object)

  1. to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.

  2. to slander or libel.

    a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.


bespatter British  
/ bɪˈspætə /

verb

  1. to splash all over, as with dirty water

  2. to defile; slander; besmirch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bespatter

First recorded in 1635–45; be- + spatter

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.

See Examples For:

I could have done nothing for you but bespatter you with the mire in which I wallowed, and I wanted you, my beautiful one—my pearl, my lily—to be spotless as mountain snow.

From The Unseen Bridgegroom or, Wedded For a Week by May Agnes Fleming

You have sought to bespatter me in the eyes of France.

From Travels in France during the years 1814-15 Comprising a residence at Paris, during the stay of the allied armies, and at Aix, at the period of the landing of Bonaparte, in two volumes. by Sir Archibald Alison

Generous, of a chivalric character, with a repugnance for any kind of meanness, we yet insult the fallen man and even bespatter the memory of one who has gone to the grave.

From English Pharisees and French Crocodiles and Other Anglo-French Typical Characters by Max O'Rell

And knock down worth, bespatter merit: Don't stint—all will your scandal credit.

From Fables of John Gay (Somewhat Altered) by John Gay

"Oh mother!" said Eva, "you know it gives me a headache to brush boots, and I shall make my hands so dirty, and perhaps bespatter the floor with blacking as well."

From Story Lessons of Character Building (Morals) and Manners by Loïs Bates

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