character assassination

1 the making of false statements that damage another's reputation <the actor's lawyers charge that the tabloid engaged in a deliberate campaign of character assassination> Synonyms aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, slander, defamation, defaming, libel, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifyingRelated 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, viciousnessNear Antonyms acclaim, accolade, applause, commendation, praise; esteem, honor, respect; adulation, flattery; adoration, reverence, veneration, worship

2 the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent <refused to resort to character assassination even if it meant losing his bid for governor> Synonyms name-calling, mudslingingRelated Words defamation, libel, maligning, slander, smearing, vilification; belittlement, detraction, disparagement; abuse, invective, vituperation; censure, denunciation, revilement; aspersion, innuendo