smear — to spread a greasy or sticky substance over something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to spread a greasy or sticky substance over something
Pronunciation (IPA): /smɪr/
Example Sentences
- The toddler managed to smear peanut butter all over the kitchen wall like a tiny Picasso.
- Don't smear my name just because you're jealous of my success.
- The makeup artist told her not to smear the foundation while applying it.
smear
VERB[/smɪr/]
to spread a greasy or sticky substance over something
The toddler decided to smear chocolate pudding all over the kitchen wall.
Don't fear the smear, I'll make it clear!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'smerian', originally meaning 'to anoint with oil or grease'. Over time, the meaning broadened from the literal act of applying oils to encompass soiling or dirtying, eventually extending to the figurative sense of damaging someone's reputation or honor.
Breakdown
Old English 'smerian' (to anoint, to oil) evolved into Middle English 'smeren' and modern 'smear'. The root relates to Germanic origins denoting the act of applying or spreading a greasy substance, with the semantic shift from physical coating to metaphorical tainting occurring gradually in Middle English.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The toddler managed to smear peanut butter all over the kitchen wall like a tiny Picasso.”
“Don't smear my name just because you're jealous of my success.”
“The makeup artist told her not to smear the foundation while applying it.”
“His attempt to eat spaghetti on a first date resulted in a tomato sauce smear on his white shirt.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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