besmear

[ bih-smeer ]

verb (used with object)

1. to smear all over; bedaub.
2. to sully; defile; soil:

   to besmear someone's reputation.

besmear

/ bɪˈsmɪə /

verb

1. to smear over; daub
2. to sully; defile (often in the phrase besmear ( a person's ) reputation )

Other Words From

• be·smearer noun
• unbe·smeared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of besmear¹

before 1050; Middle English bismeren, Old English besmerian. See be-, smear

Example Sentences

“Stoop, Romans, stoop/ And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood/ Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords,” Brutus cries after the assassination.

From Time

They had thrown away their hats and coats, and besmeared with powder and smoke were loading and firing, each for himself.

From Project Gutenberg

With blood besmeared, and white with foam, While big the tears of anguish pour, He seeks, amid the forest's gloom, The humble hermit's hallowed bower.

From Project Gutenberg

An instant after, four Indians entered the room, all armed with tomahawks, and all besmeared with blood, upon every part of their bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

To daub over; to besmear or soil with anything thick and dirty.

From Project Gutenberg