character assassination

character assassination

noun

Definition of CHARACTER ASSASSINATION

: the slandering of a person usually with the intention of destroying public confidence in that person

Examples of CHARACTER ASSASSINATION

1. None of those rumors are true. She's been the victim of character assassination.
2. <the actor's lawyers charge that the tabloid engaged in a deliberate campaign of character assassination>

First Known Use of CHARACTER ASSASSINATION

1944

Related to CHARACTER ASSASSINATION

Synonyms: aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, slander, 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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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