# smear campaign

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/smear-campaign
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An effort to damage or call into question someone's reputation, by propounding negative propaganda.

## Examples

- The politician started a smear campaign against his opponent.
- The company launched a smear campaign to ruin the reputation of the journalist who exposed their illegal activities.
- Fearing a loss of public support, the rival faction initiated a calculated smear campaign designed to discredit the leader's integrity and undermine her long-standing authority.

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