Smear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
smear
[smษชษr ]
Definitions
in politics
To damage the reputation of (someone) by false accusations; slander.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| smear |
Often used in the context of a public or political situation where false or exaggerated information is spread to harm someoneโs reputation.
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| slander |
Specifically refers to false spoken statements made to damage someone's reputation. It often has a legal connotation.
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| defame |
Used when someone makes false statements to damage another's reputation. It can be used in both legal and everyday contexts.
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| vilify |
Used to describe the act of speaking or writing about someone in an abusively disparaging manner. It often has an intentionally aggressive tone.
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Examples of usage
- He tried to smear his opponent with false accusations.
- The tabloids often smear celebrities for the sake of headlines.
medicine
A sample of a substance placed on a slide for microscopic examination.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| smear |
Used in medical or biological contexts to describe a thin layer of a substance spread on a surface, often for examination under a microscope. Can also mean a deliberate effort to harm someone's reputation, which has a negative connotation.
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| sample |
Refers to a small portion or quantity taken from a larger entity for analysis, quality assessment, or as a representative piece. Commonly used in medical, research, and consumer contexts.
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| specimen |
Often used in scientific or medical fields to refer to an individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., especially one used to study or display. Implies something more significant or exemplary than a simple sample.
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| swab |
Typically used in medical settings to describe a small piece of absorbent material, such as cotton, used for cleaning or taking a sample from a surface, especially the human body.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor took a smear to examine under the microscope.
- A cervical smear test is used to detect any abnormalities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'smear'
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.
See also: smearing.