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Smirching: meaning, definitions and examples

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smirching

 

[ smɪrʧɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

defaming someone

Smirching refers to the act of tarnishing someone's reputation or character through negative comments or misinformation. It often involves spreading disparaging or defamatory remarks to harm a person's good name. The term is frequently associated with tactics used in personal disputes, competitive environments, or political contexts. The intent behind smirching is usually malicious, aiming to undermine the credibility or social standing of the person targeted.

Synonyms

defame, slander, tarnish, vilify

Examples of usage

  • The politician accused his opponent of smirching his reputation.
  • She felt that the rumors were smirching her character unjustly.
  • He was smirched in the media after the scandal broke.

Translations

Translations of the word "smirching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamação

🇮🇳 कीचड़ उछालना

🇩🇪 Verleumdung

🇮🇩 memfitnah

🇺🇦 порочення

🇵🇱 zniesławienie

🇯🇵 中傷する

🇫🇷 diffamation

🇪🇸 difamación

🇹🇷 iftira

🇰🇷 중상모략

🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة

🇨🇿 pomluva

🇸🇰 ohováranie

🇨🇳 诽谤

🇸🇮 obrekovanje

🇮🇸 meiðyrði

🇰🇿 қаралау

🇬🇪 ბინძური სახელი

🇦🇿 şərəf və ləyaqəti alçaltma

🇲🇽 difamación

Etymology

The word 'smirching' originates from the older English term 'smirch', which has roots in Middle English and is derived from 'smerchen', meaning to smear or to stain. The historical use of 'smirch' indicated both a physical action of soiling and, metaphorically, the act of tarnishing reputation. The transition to its more modern usage captures an essential aspect of reputation management in social contexts, evolving particularly in the realm of public relations and media. With the rise of social media, the act of smirching has become more pronounced, as misinformation can spread quickly and damage reputations in ways not previously possible. The term has been associated with various contentious political and social issues where reputations can be unfairly compromised.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,968, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.