1. to smear or spread something sticky, greasy, or dirty over a surface
Usage: formal; literary
2. to damage someone’s reputation or character
Usage: formal; figurative

Examples

• The child besmeared his face with chocolate frosting.
• Mud besmeared the walls after the flood.
• She accidentally besmeared paint across the canvas.
• The politician’s opponents tried to besmear his good name.
• Don’t besmear the window with your greasy fingers.
• The scandal threatened to besmear the company’s reputation.