defame

defame

verb

Definition of DEFAME

1

to make untrue and harmful statements about <of course I want to win the election, but I refuse to defame my opponent in order to do so>

Synonyms asperse, blacken, calumniate, defame, libel, malign, smear, traduce, vilify

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

2

archaic  to make a claim of wrongdoing against <so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft>

Synonyms charge, criminate, defame [archaic], impeach, incriminate, indict

Related Words blame, call (on), castigate, censure, condemn, criticize, damn, denounce, fault, impugn, reproach, reprobate; chide, rebuke, reprove, tax; appeal, arraign, book, cite, summon; prosecute, sue, try; frame, implicate, inculpate, inform (against), name, report; recriminate, retaliate

Near Antonyms advocate, champion, defend; excuse, forgive, justify, pardon, remit, shrive

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