Smear: meaning, definitions and examples

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smear

[ smɪər ]

^{Context #1}

in politics

To damage the reputation of (someone) by false accusations; slander.

Synonyms

defame, slander, vilify

Examples of usage

He tried to smear his opponent with false accusations.
The tabloids often smear celebrities for the sake of headlines.

^{Context #2}

medicine

A sample of a substance placed on a slide for microscopic examination.

Synonyms

sample, specimen, swab

Examples of usage

The doctor took a smear to examine under the microscope.
A cervical smear test is used to detect any abnormalities.

Translations

Translations of the word "smear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mancha

🇮🇳 धब्बा

🇩🇪 Schmierfleck

🇮🇩 noda

🇺🇦 пляма

🇵🇱 plama

🇯🇵 染み (shimi)

🇫🇷 tache

🇪🇸 mancha

🇹🇷 leke

🇰🇷 얼룩 (eolluk)

🇸🇦 لطخة

🇨🇿 šmouha

🇸🇰 škvrna

🇨🇳 污点 (wūdiǎn)

🇸🇮 madež

🇮🇸 blettur

🇰🇿 дақ

🇬🇪 ლაქა

🇦🇿 ləkə

🇲🇽 mancha

Word origin

The word 'smear' originated from the Old English 'smyrian' meaning 'to anoint or rub with oil'. Over time, the meaning shifted to include the idea of spreading something over a surface, which eventually led to its current definitions.