bespatter
Americanverb (used with object)
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to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.
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to slander or libel.
a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.
verb
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to splash all over, as with dirty water
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to defile; slander; besmirch
Etymology
Origin of bespatter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is in the nature of the "little villain" to bespatter men of such devotion, patriotism, and eminent capacity as is Captain Dahlgren.
From Diary from March 4, 1861, to November 12, 1862 by De Gurowski, Adam G., count
They would hide behind a hedge and bespatter enemies and friends alike.
From Atlantic Narratives Modern Short Stories by Ashe, Elizabeth
It seems his pleasure to cast filth into the face of purity; and bespatter innocence with foul imputations.
From Talkers With Illustrations by Bate, John
I could have done nothing for you but bespatter you with the mire in which I wallowed, and I wanted you, my beautiful one—my pearl, my lily—to be spotless as mountain snow.
From The Unseen Bridgegroom or, Wedded For a Week by Fleming, May Agnes
Thou dost fall and break thy limbs, and bespatter thyself with mud, like a crocodile, and no one reaches out a hand to thee.
From Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by Baikie, Constance N.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.