smear

//smɪər//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of smear

Verb

smearInfinitive
smearPresent tense
smearedPast tense
smearedPast participle
smearingPresent participle
smearsThird-person singular
1

To spread or daub a greasy, oily, or sticky substance over a surface.

She smeared sunscreen on her arms before going to the beach.

2

To make blurred or indistinct by rubbing.

She accidentally smeared the ink on the page.

3

To damage the reputation of someone by making false or malicious accusations.

The politician tried to smear his opponent with false accusations.

Noun

1

A mark or streak of a greasy or sticky substance.

There was a smear of chocolate on his shirt.

2

A false accusation intended to damage someone's reputation.

The politician dismissed the accusations as a smear by his opponents.

3

A sample of material spread thinly on a microscope slide for examination.

The technician prepared a blood smear for microscopic analysis.