SMEAR Meaning and
Definition
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The term "smear" has multiple definitions and can be used in various contexts. As a verb, "smear" refers to the act of spreading or applying a substance unevenly over a surface. This could involve using fingers, a brush, or another tool to distribute the material untidily. For example, one might smear butter on bread or smear paint on a canvas. The action often results in a messy or indistinct appearance.
Additionally, "smear" can denote a deliberate effort to tarnish someone's reputation or credibility, particularly through false accusations or misrepresentation. It may involve spreading rumors, disseminating misleading information, or engaging in character assassination. In this sense, smearing implies intentional damage to a person's standing or image, often for personal or political gain.
As a noun, "smear" refers to the mark or stain left behind when a substance is smeared. It may connote a blurry or indistinct appearance due to the uneven application of the material. For instance, a grease smear on clothing or a smudge of ink on a paper.
Furthermore, in a medical context, a "smear" can refer to a sample of cells collected from a body part, such as the cervix or skin, to be examined under a microscope. Pap smears, for instance, are a common screening test for cervical cancer where cells are collected from the cervix and analyzed for abnormalities.
Overall, the term "smear" encompasses a range of meanings, including the act of unevenly spreading substances, defaming someone's reputation, the resulting mark or stain, and a medical procedure for cell examination.
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To overspread with greasy, fatty, or adhesive matter; to daub; to soil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SMEAR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SMEAR
Etymology of SMEAR
The word "smear" originated from the Old English word "smerian", which means "to anoint, rub with fat or grease". This Old English term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "smērōną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "smeru" (meaning "fat, grease"). Over time, the meaning of "smear" extended to include the application of various substances, such as paint or ink, in a spreading or daubing manner, resulting in its current usage.
Idioms with the word SMEAR
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smear sth on(to) sm or sth
The idiom "smear something on (to) someone or something" means to spread or apply a substance, typically in a careless or hasty manner, over someone or something. It often implies a messy or sloppy application.
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smear campaign (against someone)
The idiom "smear campaign (against someone)" refers to a coordinated effort to spread false or damaging information about a person with the intention of damaging their reputation or credibility. It involves a systematic and malicious attack on an individual's character or image, often using dishonest tactics to manipulate public opinion or tarnish their public perception. The purpose of a smear campaign is typically to discredit or undermine someone, especially in the context of politics, business, or public life.
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smear sm or sth with sth
The idiom "smear sm or sth with sth" means to spread or cover something or someone with a substance, especially in a messy, careless, or intentional manner. It implies applying or rubbing a substance (such as paint, dirt, or a viscous material) on a surface or person to create an undesirable or unattractive effect.
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smear campaign
The idiom "smear campaign" refers to a deliberate and dishonest effort to damage someone's reputation or credibility by spreading false or negative information about them, usually for political or personal gain. It involves the dissemination of slanderous accusations, rumors, or falsehoods in order to undermine the target's integrity or public image.
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smear campaign (against sm)
The idiom "smear campaign (against someone)" refers to a deliberate and often malicious effort to damage someone's reputation or credibility by spreading false information or making baseless accusations about them. It involves spreading rumors, creating negative narratives, or employing other means to discredit or tarnish someone's image in the eyes of others.
Similar spelling words for SMEAR
Conjugate verb Smear
CONDITIONAL
I
would smear
you
would smear
he/she/it
would smear
we
would smear
they
would smear
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be smearing
you
would be smearing
he/she/it
would be smearing
we
would be smearing
they
would be smearing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have smear
you
would have smear
he/she/it
would have smear
we
would have smear
they
would have smear
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been smearing
you
would have been smearing
he/she/it
would have been smearing
we
would have been smearing
they
would have been smearing
FUTURE
I
will smear
you
will smear
he/she/it
will smear
we
will smear
they
will smear
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be smearing
you
will be smearing
he/she/it
will be smearing
we
will be smearing
they
will be smearing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have smeared
you
will have smeared
he/she/it
will have smeared
we
will have smeared
they
will have smeared
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been smearing
you
will have been smearing
he/she/it
will have been smearing
we
will have been smearing
they
will have been smearing
IMPERATIVE
you
smear
we
let´s smear
to smear
PAST
I
smeared
you
smeared
he/she/it
smeared
we
smeared
they
smeared
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was smearing
you
were smearing
he/she/it
was smearing
we
were smearing
they
were smearing
PAST PARTICIPLE
smeared
PAST PERFECT
I
had smeared
you
had smeared
he/she/it
had smeared
we
had smeared
they
had smeared
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been smearing
you
had been smearing
he/she/it
had been smearing
we
had been smearing
they
had been smearing
PRESENT
I
smear
you
smear
he/she/it
smears
we
smear
they
smear
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am smearing
you
are smearing
he/she/it
is smearing
we
are smearing
they
are smearing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
smearing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have smeared
you
have smeared
he/she/it
has smeared
we
have smeared
they
have smeared
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been smearing
you
have been smearing
he/she/it
has been smearing
we
have been smearing
they
have been smearing
I
would have smeared
we
would have smeared
you
would have smeared
he/she/it
would have smeared
they
would have smeared
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