be·smear \bə̇, bē+\transitive verb Etymology: Middle English bismerwen, from Old English be- smierwan, from be- + smierwan to smear — more at smear 1.: to smear with any thick, sticky, or greasy substance < savages whose faces and bodies were besmeared with war paint > 2.: tarnish, sully < besmearing the reputation of a distinguished scholar >