muckrake

[ muhk-reyk ]

verb (used without object)

, muck·raked, muck·rak·ing.

1. to search for and expose real or alleged corruption, scandal, or the like, especially in politics.

muckrake

/ ˈmʌkˌreɪk /

noun

1. an agricultural rake for spreading manure

verb

1. intr to seek out and expose scandal, esp concerning public figures

Derived Forms

• ˈmuckˌraker, noun
• ˈmuckˌraking, noun

Other Words From

• muck·rak·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of muckrake¹

First recorded in 1675–85; obsolete muck rake “a rake for piling up muck or dung.” The modern sense was first recorded in 1850–55. See muck, rake ¹

Example Sentences

Wells muckraked the failings of the press, in other words.

From Salon

Ron Kaye, a longtime Los Angeles Daily News editor known for civically inspired muckraking and boosting the San Fernando Valley — including a failed bid for the Valley to secede from L.A. — has died.

From Los Angeles Times

What if the American mainstream news media exercised even one-tenth of the scrutiny, rumor mongering and muckraking, personal and professional invective and score-settling towards Donald Trump that they directed at President Biden?

From Salon

The report is the latest sign of the muckraking and personal mudslinging expected in the election.

From Seattle Times

“For the past six years, the public has been reading and hearing a prosecution and muckraking narrative about this case that is simply fundamentally wrong,” Morrison wrote in an email.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• belittle
• besmirch
• defame
• defile
• denigrate
• disparage
• libel
• malign
• scandalize
• smear
• sully
• tarnish
• vilify