character assassination

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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: 1. A malicious and public effort to destroy someone's reputation: The act of making false or damaging statements about a person to harm their good name and public standing. 2. The slandering of a person's character: A deliberate attempt to ruin someone's credibility and honor through lies, insinuation, or the revelation of private, often distorted, information.

Usage
  • Character assassination is typically used to describe a calculated, public attack, often in politics, media, or personal conflicts.
  • It is an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept or act, but can be countable when referring to specific instances (e.g., "a vicious character assassination").
  • It often implies the attack is unfair, untruthful, and intended to cause lasting damage.
Examples
  • The tabloid article was nothing but a character assassination, filled with unverified rumors.
  • During the election, both candidates engaged in character assassination rather than debating policies.
  • She survived the character assassination campaign and eventually cleared her name.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be a victim of character assassination": to have one's reputation publicly and maliciously attacked.
    • The whistleblower became a victim of character assassination by the powerful corporation.
  • "to engage in character assassination": to actively attempt to ruin someone's reputation.
    • The debate devolved into a session of character assassination.
Variants and Related Words
  • Assassinate (verb): To murder (a prominent person). Figuratively, it can mean to destroy or harm treacherously.
    • The journalist sought to assassinate the mayor's character with the story.
  • Character (noun): The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; reputation.
  • Smear campaign (noun phrase): A plan to discredit a public figure by spreading false or damaging accusations. This is a closely related concept.
Synonyms
  • Defamation: The action of damaging someone's good reputation (a broader legal term).
  • Smear: A false accusation meant to damage someone's reputation.
  • Vilification: Abusively disparaging speech or writing.
  • Calumny: The making of false and defamatory statements to damage someone's reputation.
Antonyms
  • Vindication: The action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion.
  • Commendation: Formal or official praise.
  • Praise: The expression of approval or admiration.
Idioms and Related Phrases
  • "to drag someone's name through the mud": To publicly criticize and disgrace someone.
    • The opposing team's fans tried to drag the quarterback's name through the mud.
  • "mud-slinging": The use of insults and accusations to damage an opponent's reputation.
    • The political race was dominated by mud-slinging and character assassination.
Noun
  1. an attack intended to ruin someone's reputation

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