Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make false and malicious statements about someone; to slander or defame another person's character or reputation.

Usage

• Verb: The word "calumniate" is a formal verb used to describe the act of spreading false and damaging information about someone with the intent to harm their reputation. It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person being slandered).
  • Example: The politician accused his opponent of trying to calumniate him in the press.
  • Example: She was calumniated by former colleagues who spread vicious rumors.

Advanced Usage

• "to calumniate against": (Less common) To direct slanderous attacks toward a person or group.
  • Example: The pamphlet was designed to calumniate against the religious minority.
• Gerund/Noun Form ("calumniating"): The act of slandering.
  • Example: His constant calumniating of his rivals eventually backfired.

Variants and Related Words

• Calumny (n): A false and slanderous statement; the act of calumniating.
  • Example: He sued the newspaper for calumny.
• Calumniator (n): A person who calumniates; a slanderer.
  • Example: The anonymous calumniator was never identified.
• Calumnious (adj): Of the nature of calumny; slanderous.
  • Example: The calumnious allegations were quickly disproven.

Synonyms

• Defame: To damage the good reputation of someone.
• Slander: To make a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
• Malign: To speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner.
• Vilify: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
• Smear: To damage the reputation of someone by false accusations.

Antonyms

• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
• Commend: To praise formally or officially.
• Eulogize: To praise highly in speech or writing.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "to be the victim of calumny": To be unjustly slandered.
  • Example: The honest official became the victim of calumny by corrupt interests.
• "to hurl calumnies": To make strong, public accusations that are slanderous.
  • Example: During the debate, the candidates hurled calumnies at each other.

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