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Smear vs Detraction - What's the difference?

smear | detraction | Related terms |

Smear is a related term of detraction.


As nouns the difference between smear and detraction

is that smear is a mark made by smearing while detraction is the act of detracting something, or something detracted.

As a verb smear

is to spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.

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

    detraction

    English

    Noun

    (wikipedia detraction)
  • The act of detracting something, or something detracted.
  • A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.
  • * (Isaac Barrow)
    • If indeed we consider all the frivolous and petulant discourse, the impertinent chattings, the rash censures, the spiteful detractions which are so rife in the world
  • (Roman Catholic Church ) The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.

    • Synonyms

    * See also