besmear etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "besmīrian"
  • Proto-West Germanic "*bismerjaną"
  • Proto-Germanic "*bismerjaną"
  • Proto-Indo-European "*meigh-" (to smear, bespatter)

Meaning:

  • To spread or smear (a substance) on something.
  • To damage someone's reputation or character by spreading false or negative information.

Origin:

The word "besmear" has its roots in Proto-Indo-European "*meigh-," which means "to smear." This root is also found in the Sanskrit word "misra" (mixed) and the Latin word "miscere" (to mix).

In Old English, the word "besmīrian" was used to describe the act of spreading or bespattering something with mud, dirt, or other substances. It could also be used figuratively to describe the act of damaging someone's reputation or character by spreading false or negative information.

Over time, the meaning of "besmear" has shifted slightly, and it is now more commonly used in the figurative sense. However, the word's original meaning of "to spread or smear" is still occasionally used in certain contexts.

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