bespatter

[ bih-spat-er ]

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

/ bɪˈspætə /

verb

1. to splash all over, as with dirty water
2. to defile; slander; besmirch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bespatter¹

First recorded in 1635–45; be- + spatter

Example Sentences

A photo of the three bespattered men appeared in Life magazine.

From New York Times

“Capital boys, aren’t they? I feel quite young and brisk again after that.” said Jo, strolling along with her hands behind her, partly from habit, partly to conceal the bespattered parasol.

From Literature

When they are butchered on the spot, which happens in certain live-animal markets, their bespattered fluids potentially expose other animals as well as humans.

From New York Times

Regardless of your chosen approach, however, expect a certain baseline of bespattered violence.

From The Guardian

It was night in the glade by the pool and the sky was bespattered with stars beyond counting.

From Literature

Related Words

• dash
• douse
• drench
• drown
• paddle
• slop
• slosh
• soak
• spatter
• spray
• sprinkle
• squirt
• strew
• wade
• wet