smear campaign

noun

1. a campaign to tarnish the reputation of a public figure, especially by vilification or innuendo.

Idioms and Phrases

An attempt to ruin a reputation by slander or vilification, as in This press agent is well known for starting smear campaigns against her clients' major competitors . This phrase was first recorded in 1938 and uses smear in the sense of “an attempt to discredit” or “slander.”

Example Sentences

Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said Salmond had been cleared by a court of law, and claimed the former first minister was the victim of a smear campaign.

From BBC

Ali denied all wrongdoing, saying he is the target of a smear campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

“This law firm has uncovered evidence that the smear campaign is being orchestrated by far-left organizations bent on destroying Bill O’Reilly for political and financial reasons. That evidence will be put forth shortly and it is irrefutable.”

From Slate

Yet during Wednesday’s arguments, Thomas sought to recast Smothermon and Ackley as innocent victims of a smear campaign.

From Slate

Since the night of the first presidential debate, the Trump-Vance campaign has run a smear campaign against immigrants, focusing on the town of Springfield in particular.

From Salon