defame
UK: dɪˈfeɪm | US: dɪˈfeɪm
vt. to damage the reputation of someone by spreading false or malicious statements
vt. (archaic) to disgrace or dishonor
defame = de<down, away> + fame<reputation>
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down" or "away," often used to indicate reversal or removal (e.g., devalue, decline).
- fame: From Latin fama (report, reputation), retained in English with the same core meaning.
Etymology Origin:
The word defame entered Middle English via Old French defamer, derived from Latin diffamare ("to spread harmful rumors," from dis- [apart] + fama [reputation]). Over time, the prefix simplified to de-, while fame preserved its association with reputation. The term originally implied public slander but narrowed to focus on intentional harm to one’s good name.
The article sought to defame the politician with unverified claims.
In medieval times, spreading false rumors could defame an entire family.
She sued the magazine for attempting to defame her character.
The court ruled that the statements did not defame the plaintiff.
Gossip columns often defame celebrities without evidence.