Definition

1. Verb:
   • To attack the good name and reputation of someone by making false or malicious statements; to slander or defame.
   • (Archaic) To sprinkle or scatter, especially with liquid.

Usage

• The verb asperse is a formal term, most commonly used in the context of damaging someone's reputation through false accusations. It is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or their reputation being attacked).
• The archaic meaning related to sprinkling is rarely used in modern English.

Examples

• Verb (to slander):
  • The political candidate warned his opponents not to asperse his character with lies.
  • She felt her professional integrity had been aspersed by the anonymous complaint.
• Verb (archaic: to sprinkle):
  • In the ancient ritual, the priest would asperse the altar with holy water.

Advanced Usage

• "to cast aspersions on": This is the most common modern usage. It means to make critical or damaging remarks about someone's character or reputation.
  • The lawyer warned the witness not to cast aspersions on the defendant without evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Aspersion (n): A false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation; the act of defaming.
  • He considered the criticism to be an unfair aspersion on his work.
• Aspersive (adj): Tending to asperse; defamatory.
  • The article contained aspersive comments about the company's leadership.

Synonyms

• Defame: To damage the good reputation of someone.
• Slander: To make a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
• Vilify: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
• Malign: To speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner.
• Calumniate (formal): To make false and defamatory statements about.

Antonyms

• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
• Commend: To praise formally or officially.
• Extol: To praise enthusiastically.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Cast aspersions": As noted in Advanced Usage, this is the standard idiomatic phrase derived from the word.
  • During the debate, he was careful not to cast aspersions on his rival's family.

Verb

1. charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
   • The journalists have defamed me! The article in the paper sullied my reputation