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Showing results for bespatter. Search instead for betatter.
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:

Befoam, be-fōm′, v.t. to bespatter or cover with foam.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

He was a proud man, who must hate standing by helplessly, holding the supreme office in Orvieto, watching the two great families bespatter his city with blood.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

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

I know they are pleased to bespatter me at all their little dirty levees.

From Goldsmith English Men of Letters Series by Black, William

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)

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