bespatter
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.
-
to slander or libel.
a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.
verb
-
to splash all over, as with dirty water
-
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.
"For that reason," she answered sharply—"lest the disgrace bespatter my kinsman, Sir Peter, and his sweet lady."
From The Reckoning by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
I know they are pleased to bespatter me at all their little dirty levees.
From Goldsmith English Men of Letters Series by William Black
This sincerity, abused as any good thing is liable to be, now and then grows scandalous; but still, Tom, though they may bespatter you with mud, nobody ever thinks you too dirty for society.
From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. II by Charles James Lever
I said 'What a fine fellow you are to bespatter the whole world with this oil of vitriol!'
From Stories of Authors, British and American by Edwin Watts Chubb
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
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.
