English Explanatory Dictionary

calumniate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make hurtful untrue comments about.
  2. To levy a false charge against, especially of a vague offense, with the intent to damage someone's reputation or standing.

Pronunciation

/kəˈlʌmni.eɪt/ en-us-calumniate.ogg

Word forms

calumniate calumniates calumniating calumniated

Etymology

First attested in 1554; borrowed from Latin calumniātus, perfect passive participle of calumnior (“to blame, cavil at; to accuse falsely”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Synonyms

diss slander traduce assassinate asperse backbite badmouth befoul belibel besmirch besmear bewray blacken blame blaze blemish blot blur calumniate calumny chat shit chat shite cloud defame demonize denigrate deprave depreciate detract dirty discredit disgrace disparage disrepute drag through the mud forgab forspeak foul infamize lampoon libel malign monsterize muddy reproach revile scandal shit-talk slag smear smirch spatter spot speak ill of stab stain sully talk shit talk shite talk trash

Related words

calumniation calumniator calumniatory calumnious calumny

Derived words

uncalumniated
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