muckrake
[muhk-reyk]
- to search for and expose real or alleged corruption, scandal, or the like, especially in politics.
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Origin of muckrake
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
wenchfurysirenhussybitchhellioncarperdetractorvixenviragonagscoldbattle-axbiddyharridanharpymadcaptermagantbackbiterporcupineExamples from the Web for muckraker
Contemporary Examples
Honestly, most of the posts and tweets that matter trace their way back to an ink-stained finger on some muckraker somewhere.
Muckraker Roberto Saviano summed it up perfectly last week when he spoke at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia.
Instead, the muckraker only seemed to grow bolder and more dangerous with his every revelation.
Historical Examples
And when the term "muckraker" came into use, I remember his deep satisfaction.
The HarborErnest Poole
For some moments the muckraker considered the statement thoughtfully.
Once Upon A TimeRichard Harding Davis
Muckraker: One who sits on the fence and defames American enterprise as it marches by.
The Roycroft DictionaryElbert Hubbard
It was a relief not to be accepted only as Everett the Muckraker, as a professional reformer, as one holier than others.
Once Upon A TimeRichard Harding Davis
A loyal Adopted Son of California, a novelist and muckraker, returned a few years ago to the beloved land of his adoption.
The Native SonInez Haynes Irwin
muckrake
- an agricultural rake for spreading manure
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- (intr) to seek out and expose scandal, esp concerning public figures
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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
Word Origin and History for muckraker
n.
c.1600, "one who rakes muck," from muck (n.) + agent noun from rake (v.). Meaning "one who inquires into and publishes scandal and allegations of corruption among political and business leaders," popularized 1906 in speech by President Theodore Roosevelt, in reference to "man ... with a Muckrake in his hand" in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" (1684) who seeks worldly gain by raking filth.
The men with the muck-rakes are often indispensable to the well-being of society, but only if they know when to stop raking the muck. [T. Roosevelt, quoted in "Cincinnati Enquirer," April 15, 1906.]
Muckrake in sense "person who hunts scandal" is attested from 1872. To muckrake (v.) in the literal sense is from 1879; figuratively from 1910. Related: Muckraking.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper