aspersing
Casting false accusations
Aspersing is attacking someone's reputation or character through damaging remarks or false accusations.
The word derives from the literal act of sprinkling or spattering—aspersing someone's name is like spattering mud on it: She accused him of aspersing her integrity.
The noun form is aspersion, most common in the phrase cast aspersions.
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- defameHarm reputation falsely
- malignAttack someone's reputation
- vilifyAttack someone's reputation
smear · calumniate · traduce · denigrate · disparage · besmirch · blacken · sully
Mark of dishonor
- blemishVisible flaw or mark
- stainLasting surface discoloration
- blotMark left by spillage
- taintMake impure
dishonor · disgrace · shame · discredit · debase · sully · soil · mar
slander
Spoken false defamation
vilify · smear · calumniate · traduce · denigrate · disparage · besmirch · blacken · sully · tarnish
stigma
Mark of dishonor
taint · dishonor · disgrace · shame · discredit · debase · sully · soil · mar · blight
allegation
Assertion lacking proof
- blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
- chargeCost or accusation
- incriminationSuggesting someone's guilt
insinuate · imputation · denounce · censure · reproach · rebuke · condemn · criticize · attack · assail
aspersingpraising
Voicing admiration
lauding · extolling · vindicating · commending · eulogizing
- casting aspersionsAttacking someone's reputation
- cast aspersionsAttack someone's reputation