asperse

/əs'pə:s/
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asperse

The politician accused his opponent of trying to asperse his character.

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.
asperse

The politician accused his opponent of trying to asperse his character.

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

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