What does smear mean?
To smear something is to spread a substance over it in a thin, uneven, or indistinct layer, as when butter is smeared across toast or rain smears ink on a page. The word can also mean to blur the outline or appearance of something, especially by rubbing or covering it. In figurative use, smearing someone means damaging their reputation by spreading accusations, allegations, or hostile claims about them. A smear is also the resulting mark, layer, or spreading accusation. The literal meaning is straightforward and neutral, while the figurative meaning is strongly negative and commonly occurs in reporting and discussion of politics, scandals, and public controversy. Understanding both senses helps explain why a mark left by one substance and a deliberate attack on someone's character can be described by the same word.
To spread a substance thinly or unevenly over a surface, or to blur or distort something in this way.
"He smeared the paint across the wall with his hand."
The literal sense is neutral; the figurative sense is negative and means to damage someone's reputation.
To damage someone's reputation by spreading accusations or allegations against them.
"The article was accused of smearing the former minister's character."
This use is strongly negative and often implies that the accusations are misleading or malicious.
A thin, irregular mark or layer of a substance spread across a surface.
"There was a smear of chocolate on the edge of the photograph."
The noun is commonly used for a visible mark or layer, such as grease, paint, or dirt.
An accusation or allegation made to damage someone's reputation.
"The opposition denied that the claims were a smear."
This figurative noun is usually hostile and implies that the claim is false or intended to defame.
The plural is used for individual marks, layers, or reputation-damaging accusations.
"The old photos were covered in smudges and smears."
The same word that describes spreading jam across toast can describe an attempt to ruin a public figure's reputation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smear come from?
The word comes from Old English smerian, meaning to smear or anoint, and developed into modern English through Middle English forms associated with spreading or rubbing a substance. It belongs to a Germanic word family that also includes related forms in Dutch and German. The modern figurative sense of damaging a reputation developed later by analogy with the spreading of dirt or unwanted material across a surface.
Related word forms
How smear is actually used
The literal sense is neutral and common. The figurative sense is usually hostile or disapproving, especially in political and journalistic contexts, and can imply that the accusation is unfair or deliberately dishonest.
Easily confused with smear
A smudge is usually a blurred or indistinct mark, while a smear is a broader, often deliberately uneven streak of material.
Slander is a false statement that harms someone's reputation, whereas to smear someone is the broader act of spreading damaging accusations or allegations.