asperse
UK: əˈspɜːs | US: əˈspɜːrs
vt. to spread false or damaging accusations against someone; to slander
vt. (archaic) to sprinkle, especially in a religious ritual
The word asperse originates from Latin aspersus, the past participle of aspergere ("to sprinkle upon"). It initially referred to the literal act of sprinkling (e.g., water in baptism) but evolved metaphorically to mean "to scatter harmful words" (i.e., slander). The prefix a- (from ad-) emphasizes direction, while sperse retains its core idea of scattering.
The politician was aspersed by his opponents during the campaign.
In ancient rituals, priests would asperse holy water to purify the space.
She refused to asperse her colleague’s reputation, despite their rivalry.
The journalist faced backlash for aspersing the company without evidence.
His speech subtly aspersed the integrity of the judicial system.