Definition

1. Noun:
   • A disparaging or damaging remark; a slanderous accusation: An "aspersion" is a critical or harmful statement that attacks someone's character or reputation.
   • (Rare/Historical) The act of sprinkling, especially of water in baptism: This is an archaic meaning referring to the ritual sprinkling of water.

Usage and Examples

• Primary Meaning (Disparaging Remark):

  • She resented the aspersions cast on her professional integrity.
  • The politician angrily denied the aspersions made by his opponent during the debate.
  • It was a cruel aspersion, suggesting he had gained his position through favoritism rather than merit.

• Historical/Religious Meaning (Sprinkling):

  • The ceremony included the aspersion of the congregation with holy water. (This usage is now rare.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To cast aspersions on [someone/something]": This is the most common collocation. It means to make critical or slanderous remarks about a person or thing, damaging their reputation.
  • The article cast aspersions on the company's environmental record.
  • He felt his loyalty was being questioned when they cast aspersions on his motives.

Variants and Related Words

• Asperse (verb, rare/formal): To attack or criticize the reputation or integrity of; to slander.
  • He did not wish to asperse the character of his former colleague.

Synonyms

• Slander: A false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
• Defamation: The action of damaging someone's good reputation.
• Slur: An insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation.
• Calumny (formal): The making of false and defamatory statements to damage someone's reputation.
• Vilification: Abusively disparaging speech or writing.

Antonyms

• Commendation: Praise; formal or official praise.
• Acclamation: Enthusiastic and public praise.
• Eulogy: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, typically someone who has just died.

Notes on Meaning

• The modern and overwhelmingly primary meaning of "aspersion" relates to verbal attacks on character. The historical meaning related to sprinkling is largely obsolete and found only in specific religious or historical contexts.
• An "aspersion" often implies the criticism is unfair, unfounded, or malicious, not merely constructive feedback.

Noun

1. the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)
2. an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
3. a disparaging remark
   • in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion
   • it is difficult for a woman to understand a man's sensitivity to any slur on his virility