calumny

cal·um·ny

noun \ˈka-ləm-nē also ˈkal-yəm-\

plural cal·um·nies

Definition of CALUMNY

1

: a misrepresentation intended to harm another's reputation

2

: the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another's reputation

— ca·lum·ni·ous \kə-ˈləm-nē-əs\ adjective

— ca·lum·ni·ous·ly adverb

Examples of CALUMNY

1. They uttered calumnies against him.
2. He was the target of calumny for his unpopular beliefs.

Origin of CALUMNY

Middle English calumnye, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French calomnie, from Latin calumnia, from calvi to deceive; perhaps akin to Old English hōlian to slander, Greek kēlein to beguile

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CALUMNY

Synonyms

aspersing, blackening, calumniation, slander, character assassination, defamation, defaming, libel, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifying

Related Words

aspersion, innuendo, muck, mud, smear; backbiting, detraction; abuse, invective, vituperation; attack, censure, criticism, denunciation, hatchet job; contempt, disdain, scorn; belittlement, denigration, disparagement; cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spitefulness, spleen, venom, viciousness

Near Antonyms

acclaim, accolade, applause, commendation, praise; esteem, honor, respect; adulation, flattery; adoration, reverence, veneration, worship