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Anoint vs Smear - What's the difference?

anoint | smear |

As verbs the difference between anoint and smear

is that anoint is (label) to smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil while smear is to spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.

As a noun smear is

a mark made by smearing.

anoint

English

Alternative forms

* annoint (nonstandard)

Verb

(en verb)
  • (label) To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
  • * And fragrant oils the stiffened limbs anoint . —Dryden.
  • * He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. —John ix. 6.
  • (label) To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
  • * Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him. —Exod. xxix. 7.
  • * Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. —1 Kings xix. 15.
  • to choose or nominate somebody for an leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor
  • to mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony

    • Synonyms

    * salve

    Related terms

    {{rel3, inunction , ointment , unguent , Anointing of the Sick , }}

    External links

    * * *

    Anagrams

    * *

    smear

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.
    • The artist smeared paint over the canvas in broad strokes.
  • To have a substance smeared on (a surface).
    • She smeared her lips with lipstick.
  • To damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about an individual, their statements, or their actions.
    • ''The opposition party attempted to smear the candidate by spreading incorrect and unverifiable rumors about their personal behavior.
  • To become spread by smearing.
    • The paint is still wet — don't touch it or it will smear .
  • To climb without using footholds, using the friction from the shoe to stay on the wall.

    • Synonyms

    * spread * (have a substance smeared on) coat, cover, layer

    Derived terms

    * smearer

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A mark made by smearing.
    • This detergent cleans windows without leaving smears .
  • (medicine) A Pap smear.
    • I'm going to the doctor's this afternoon for a smear .
  • A false attack.
  • A maneuver in which the shoe is placed onto the holdless rock, and the friction from the shoe keeps it in contact
  • A rough glissando in jazz music.

    • Synonyms

    * (mark) streak * (Pap smear) Pap smear, Pap test

    Derived terms

    * cervical smear * smear campaign * smear case

    Anagrams

    * * * * English ergative verbs