Definition of "smear" []

• To spread or daub with a sticky, greasy, or dirty substance. (verb-transitive)
• To apply by spreading or daubing: smeared suntan lotion on my face and arms. (verb-transitive)
• To stain by or as if by spreading or daubing with a sticky, greasy, or dirty substance. (verb-transitive)
• To stain or attempt to destroy the reputation of; vilify: political enemies who smeared his name. (verb-transitive)
• Slang To defeat utterly; smash. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "More like “The smear starts here, constantly recited without any evidence, and when I am refuted, I call the watchdogs ‘vile’ and ’smear machines’ to motivate my braindead viewers/listeners to do what I want them to do.”"
• "And the first one we've performed here is what we term smear negative."
• "Putin said he decided to stay away because of what he called a smear campaign against FIFA voters that created doubts about the decision even before it was made."