calumny

[ kal-uhm-nee ]

noun

, plural cal·um·nies.

1. a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something:

   The speech was considered a calumny of the administration.

2. the act of uttering calumnies; slander; defamation.

   Synonyms: derogation, vilification

calumny

/ ˈkæləmnɪ /

noun

1. the malicious utterance of false charges or misrepresentation; slander; defamation
2. such a false charge or misrepresentation

Confusables Note

See slander.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumny¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin calumnia, equivalent to calumn-, perhaps originally a participle of calvī “to deceive” + -ia -y ³ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumny¹

C15: from Latin calumnia deception, slander

Example Sentences

He knows his hope for another presidential appointment could be hampered, because, as Choharis told the court, Jefferson “cannot escape the calumny” of false accusations.

From Washington Post

One imagines that the latest pope, a Jesuit, is familiar with the centuries of calumny that have been heaped upon his forebears.

From The Daily Beast

It has been said that the Duke betrayed the Bourbons and was privy to the Emperor's return, but this is a calumny.

From Project Gutenberg

Calumny, instead of gratitude, was unsparingly heaped upon herself and her husband.

From Project Gutenberg

The similitude is a calumny on the descendants of Ishmael; the fiercest Bedouin are refined and mild compared with the Apaches.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither envy nor calumny had the least influence over me, or I felt it only from persons who had not the power to injure me.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he flung his glove at the king's feet, saying: "Let him who believes that calumny come forward!"

From Project Gutenberg