Synonyms

bespatter

American

[bih-spat-er] / bɪˈspæt ər /

verb (used with object)

to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.
to slander or libel.

a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.

bespatter British

/ bɪˈspætə /

verb

to splash all over, as with dirty water
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.

To wet by dashing or throwing water or other liquid upon; to bespatter.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

And thus I have with much ado rid my hands of a great part of De Cros’s Rubbish, as far as it endeavours to bespatter Sir W. T. in his Morals and Intellectuals.

From Reflections upon Two Pamphlets Lately Published One called, A Letter from Monsieur de Cros, concerning the Memoirs of Christendom, And the Other, An Answer to that Letter. by Anonymous

Thou dost fall and break thy limbs, and bespatter thyself with mud, like a crocodile, and no one reaches out a hand to thee.

From Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by Baikie, Constance N.

It is in the nature of the "little villain" to bespatter men of such devotion, patriotism, and eminent capacity as is Captain Dahlgren.

From Diary from March 4, 1861, to November 12, 1862 by De Gurowski, Adam G., count

To rail at him now, and speak of him disparagingly, will not hurt him, or do you any good, Dick, my friend, so do not unnecessarily bespatter his memory.

From The Adventures of Dick Maitland A Tale of Unknown Africa by Ball, Alec

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023