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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.

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

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

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

It seems his pleasure to cast filth into the face of purity; and bespatter innocence with foul imputations.

From Talkers With Illustrations by Bate, John

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)

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 Fleming, May Agnes

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