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.
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
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.