smear
/smiɚ/ verb C1- To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing. · The artist smeared paint over the canvas in broad strokes.
- To cover (a surface with a layer of some substance) by rubbing. · She smeared her lips with lipstick.
- To make something dirty.
- (of a substance, etc.) To make a surface dirty by covering it.
- To damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about them, their statements, or their actions. · The opposition party attempted to smear the candidate by spreading incorrect and unverifiable rumors about their personal behavior.
- To cause (something) to be messy or not clear by rubbing and spreading it.
- To become messy or not clear by being spread. · The paint is still wet — don't touch it or it will smear.
- To write or draw (something) by spreading a substance on a surface.
He/she/it smears · Past smeared · Past participle smeared · -ing form smearing
Verb forms
- Base form
- smear
- He/she/it
- smears
- Past
- smeared
- Past participle
- smeared
- -ing form
- smearing
From the library
Their feet, however, became so smeared with the honey that they could not use their wings, nor release themselves, and were suffocated.
The blood-stains were very slight, mere smears and discolourations, but undoubtedly fresh.
See this smear where it has trickled down the wall!
Other matches
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