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Tarnish vs Smear - What's the difference?

tarnish | smear | Related terms |

In intransitive terms the difference between tarnish and smear

is that tarnish is to oxidize or discolor due to oxidation while smear is to become spread by smearing.

In transitive terms the difference between tarnish and smear

is that tarnish is to soil, sully, damage or compromise while smear is to damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about an individual, their statements, or their actions.

tarnish

English

Noun

(-)
  • Oxidation or discoloration, especially of a decorative metal exposed to air.
  • Verb

    (es)
  • To oxidize or discolor due to oxidation.
  • Careful storage of silver will prevent it from tarnishing .
  • To soil, sully, damage or compromise
  • He is afraid that he will tarnish his reputation if he disagrees.
  • (figurative) To lose its lustre or attraction; to become dull.
  • * Dryden
  • Till thy fresh glories, which now shine so bright, / Grow stale and tarnish with our daily sight.

    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