defame

de·fame

verb \di-ˈfām, dē-\

de·famedde·fam·ing

Definition of DEFAME

transitive verb

1

archaic : disgrace

2

: to harm the reputation of by libel or slander

3

archaic : accuse

— de·fam·er noun

Examples of DEFAME

1. He says he was defamed by reports that falsely identified him as a former gangster.
2. <of course I want to win the election, but I refuse to defame my opponent in order to do so>

Origin of DEFAME

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French deffamer, diffamer, from Medieval Latin defamare, alteration of Latin diffamare, from dis- + fama reputation, fame

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DEFAME

Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, slander, libel, malign, smear, traduce, vilify

Antonyms: absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Related Words: belittle, denigrate, detract, disparage; discredit, disgrace, dishonor, shame; abase, debase, degrade, humble, humiliate; disdain, scorn

Near Antonyms: exalt, glorify, honor; acclaim, applaud, commend, praise; esteem, respect; admire, regard; adore, revere, venerate, worship

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at malign