SMEAR CAMPAIGN Meaning and
Definition
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A smear campaign refers to a systematic and organized effort to damage the reputation, credibility, or character of an individual, group, organization, or political entity. It typically involves spreading false or misleading information about the target with the intention of discrediting or tarnishing their image. A smear campaign often employs various unethical or deceptive tactics, such as spreading rumors, circulating lies or half-truths, manipulating facts, or distorting information to create a negative perception of the target.
The purpose of a smear campaign is usually to manipulate public opinion, undermine trust, or gain a strategic advantage over the target. It can be politically motivated to sway voters or challenge the legitimacy of opponents, or it may be employed in personal or professional rivalries, corporate battles, or ideological disputes. Smear campaigns are often launched through different mediums, including media platforms, online forums, social media, or even face-to-face conversations.
The impact of a smear campaign can be severe, leading to reputational damage, loss of credibility, personal attacks, or even legal consequences for the target. However, the effectiveness of a smear campaign highly depends on public reception, the credibility of the source, and the target's ability to refute or counter these false allegations.
Overall, a smear campaign is an aggressive and deliberate attempt to harm a person, organization, or their reputation through the dissemination of false or distorted information, with the intent to create negative perceptions and weaken the target's standing in society.
Common Misspellings for SMEAR CAMPAIGN
- amear campaign
- zmear campaign
- xmear campaign
- dmear campaign
- emear campaign
- wmear campaign
- snear campaign
- skear campaign
- sjear campaign
- smwar campaign
- smsar campaign
- smdar campaign
- smrar campaign
- sm4ar campaign
- sm3ar campaign
- smezr campaign
- smesr campaign
- smewr campaign
- smeqr campaign
- smeae campaign
- smearcampaign
Etymology of SMEAR CAMPAIGN
The term "smear campaign" is composed of two words, "smear" and "campaign", each with its own etymology:
1. "Smear": This word comes from the Old English word "smerian", meaning "to anoint, rub with ointment". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to spreading a substance thinly over a surface. In the 18th century, "smear" started to take on a negative connotation when it began being used to describe malicious or slanderous gossip.
2. "Campaign": This word has its origins in the French word "campagne", which means "open country". The term was used in the military context to refer to a field or ground where troops would assemble and plan their activities. The word gradually expanded its meaning to include any organized effort, typically aligned with some kind of objective or goal.
Idioms with the word SMEAR CAMPAIGN
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smear campaign (against sm)
The phrase "smear campaign against someone" refers to a deliberate and organized effort to damage someone's reputation or credibility by spreading false or misleading information about them. It typically involves spreading rumors, making false accusations, or manipulating facts with the intention of discrediting or destroying the person's public image.
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smear campaign (against someone)
The idiom "smear campaign (against someone)" refers to a deliberate and systematic effort to damage or tarnish someone's reputation through spreading false or misleading information about them. It involves spreading rumors, making false accusations, and utilizing negative publicity to harm the target's credibility, often motivated by personal or political reasons.
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smear campaign
A smear campaign is a coordinated effort to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or misleading information about them.
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