Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tell or spread rumors: To circulate news, reports, or information, especially of a private or sensational nature, often without confirmation or certainty.
   • To make widely known; to noise abroad: To cause something to become publicly discussed or reported.

Usage

• The verb "bruit" is typically used in formal or literary contexts. It often appears in the passive voice or in constructions like "it is bruited that..." or "to bruit something about/abroad."
• It describes the act of spreading information, often unverified, which results in that information becoming common talk or rumor.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The scandal was bruited throughout the town within hours.
  • It was bruited about that the company was facing bankruptcy.
  • They bruited the news of his resignation abroad before any official announcement.

Advanced Usage

• "To bruit something about/abroad": To spread a rumor or piece of news widely.
  • The story was bruited abroad by the sensationalist press.
• "It is bruited that...": A formal construction meaning "it is rumored that..."
  • It is bruited that the treaty negotiations have stalled.

Variants and Related Words

• Bruiter (noun, archaic): One who spreads news or rumors.
• Bruiting (noun/gerund): The act of spreading rumors.

Synonyms

• Rumor: To circulate a story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
• Circulate: To cause to go from one place, person, or group to another.
• Noise: To spread a report or rumor (often used as "noise abroad").
• Divulge: To make known (something private or secret).

Antonyms

• Conceal: To keep from sight or discovery; hide.
• Suppress: To put down by authority or force; to keep from being known.
• Withhold: To hold back from action; to refrain from granting or giving.

Verb

1. tell or spread rumors
   • It was rumored that the next president would be a woman