Calumniate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kəˈlÊŒmni.eɪt/

Origin

From Latin calumniātus, perfect active participle of calumnior ("I accuse falsely").

Full definition of calumniate

Verb

1. (transitive) To make hurtful untrue comments about.
• StrypeHatred unto the truth did always falsely report and calumniate all godly men's doings.
• 1905, Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes,There are adherents of each of the four French parties—Legitimists, Orleanists, Imperialists, and Republicans—in this little mountain-town; and they all hate, loathe, decry, and calumniate each other.
2. (transitive) To levy a false charge against, especially of a vague offense, with the intent to damage someone's reputation or standing.

Synonyms

• to make hurtful untrue statements: slander

Related terms

• calumniation
• calumniator
• calumniatory
• calumnious
• calumny