calumniate
UK: kəˈlʌmniˌeɪt | US: kəˈlʌmniˌeɪt
vt. to make false and malicious statements about someone; slander
vt. to damage someone's reputation by spreading lies
calumniate = calumn<false accusation> + iate<verb suffix>
- calumn (from Latin calumnia, meaning "false accusation, slander")
- iate (Latin-derived verb-forming suffix, indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin calumnia (trickery, false claim), rooted in calvi (to deceive). It entered English via Old French calomnie, retaining its core meaning of malicious deception. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb, aligning with Latin calumniari (to accuse falsely). The evolution reflects a consistent link between deception and verbal harm.
The politician was accused of attempting to calumniate his opponent.
Spreading rumors to calumniate a colleague is unethical.
Historical figures often faced calumniated reputations due to biased records.
She sued the tabloid for calumniating her character.
Legal systems penalize those who calumniate others without evidence.