aspersion
Cast this unfairly
Aspersion is a damaging or disparaging remark, almost always appearing in the phrase cast aspersions: He cast aspersions on her motives.
The word derives from the act of sprinkling or spattering—to cast aspersions is to spatter someone's reputation with mud.
Outside this fixed phrase, aspersion is rare.
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- calumnyMalicious false statement
- smearSpread or defame
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
character assassination · mudslinging · traducement · denigration · backbiting · innuendo · insinuation · misrepresentation
Lasting surface discoloration
black mark · dishonor · disgrace · shame · discredit · disrepute · odium · ignominy
Formal institutional disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
disapproval · animadversion · reprimand · faultfinding · disparagement · deprecation · belittlement · derogation
Small scattered amount
- baptismRitual water purification ceremony
- lustrationCleansing rite or vetting
- holy waterSacramental liquid for blessings
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
slander
Spoken false defamation
vilification · character assassination · mudslinging · traducement · denigration · backbiting · innuendo · insinuation · misrepresentation · falsehood
stain
Lasting surface discoloration
smirch · black mark · dishonor · disgrace · shame · discredit · disrepute · odium · ignominy · infamy
censure
Formal institutional disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
denunciation · disapproval · animadversion · reprimand · faultfinding · disparagement · deprecation · belittlement · derogation · slight
sprinkling
Small scattered amount
- baptismRitual water purification ceremony
- lustrationCleansing rite or vetting
- holy waterSacramental liquid for blessings
blessing · purification · cleansing · consecration · ablution
- mockerymockery, ridiculing, jeers, jeering, jibes
- baptismchristening, infant baptism, adult baptism, water baptism, immersion
- defamationslander, libel, defamation, defamatory statement, defaming
- invectiveabuse, insult, insults, slur, vilification
- ritual gesturesgenuflect, genuflection, prostration, bowing, kneeling
- sacramentsbaptism, christening, confirmation, communion, matrimony
aspersionpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · compliment · acclaim · tribute · accolade
aspersionvindication
Clearance of blame
exoneration · defense · exculpation · rehabilitation · clearing
- casting aspersionsAttacking someone's reputation
- cast aspersionsAttack someone's reputation