World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesverschmieren
Pronunciation / Transliteration: fɛɐ̯ˈʃmiːʁən
"Das Kind hat Farbe an die Wand verschmiert."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To damage someone's reputation or character by false accusations.
"The political campaign attempted to smear the opponent with misleading allegations."
- 1
A mark, stain, or streak left by a greasy or sticky substance.
"There was a greasy smear of butter across the kitchen counter."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'smeren', meaning to anoint or apply oil, originating from Old Germanic roots related to grease or fat. Over centuries, the meaning broadened from physically rubbing an oily or sticky substance over a surface to metaphorically damaging someone's reputation.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Smear"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Smear" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
diffamer
Transliteration: di-fa-me
"Il a tenté de diffamer son rival politique."
verschmieren
Transliteration: fɛɐ̯ˈʃmiːʁən
"Das Kind hat Farbe an die Wand verschmiert."
diffamare
Transliteration: dif-fa-ˈma-re
"Hanno cercato di diffamare la sua reputazione."
difamar
Transliteration: di-fa-ˈmar
"Intentaron difamar al candidato durante las elecciones."
difamar
Transliteration: dʒi-fa-ˈmaɾ
"Eles tentaram difamar a honra do político."
कलंक लगाना
Transliteration: kalank lagana
"उसने अपने प्रतिद्वंद्वी की छवि पर कलंक लगाने की कोशिश की।"
诋毁
Transliteration: dǐhuǐ
"他们试图在报纸上诋毁他的名誉。"
중상모략하다
Transliteration: jungsangmoryakhada
"그들은 상대 후보를 중상모략하려고 했다."
中傷する
Transliteration: chūshō suru
"彼はスキャンダルでライバルを中傷した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all German termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Smear"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.