smear

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Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to smear

Third person singular
smears

Simple past
smeared

Past participle
smeared

Present participle
smearing

to smear (third-person singular simple present smears, present participle smearing, simple past and past participle smeared)

  1. (transitive) To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.
    The artist smeared paint over the canvas in broad strokes.
  2. (transitive) To have a substance smeared on (a surface).
    She smeared her lips with lipstick.
  3. (transitive) To damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about an individual, their statements, or their actions.
    The opposition party attempted to smear the candidate by spreading incorrect and unverifiable rumors about their personal behavior.
  4. (intransitive) To become spread by smearing.
    The paint is still wet — don't touch it or it will smear.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Translations

to spread (a substance)
to spread (a surface) with a substance
to damage someone's reputation by slandering, making false accusations

[edit] Noun

Singular
smear

Plural
smears

smear (plural smears)

  1. A mark made by smearing.
    This detergent cleans windows without leaving smears.
  2. (medicine) A Pap smear.
    I'm going to the doctor's this afternoon for a smear.
  3. A false attack.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Translations

mark
Pap smear — see Pap smear

[edit] Anagrams

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