Smear campaign

For the Napalm Death album, see Smear Campaign (album). For the cover of "Elected" under the name "Mr Bean & Smear Campaign", see Elected (song) § Cover versions.
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A smear campaign, also referred to as a smear tactic or simply a smear, is an effort to damage or call into question someone's reputation, by propounding negative propaganda.[1] It makes use of discrediting tactics. It can be applied to individuals or groups. Common targets are public officials, politicians, heads of state, political candidates, activists, celebrities (especially those who are involved in politics), and ex-spouses. The term also applies in other contexts, such as the workplace.[2] The term smear campaign became popular around 1936.[3]

  1. ^ "SMEAR CAMPAIGN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary". dictionary.cambridge.org. Retrieved 2020-10-20.
  2. ^ Jay C. Thomas, Michel Hersen (2002) Handbook of Mental Health in the Workplace
  3. ^ "Google Ngram Viewer". books.google.com.