asperse

[uh-spurs]

verb (used with object)

aspersed, aspersing 

1. to attack with false, malicious, and damaging charges or insinuations; slander.

   Synonyms: traduce, abuse, malign

2. to sprinkle; bespatter.

asperse

/ əˈspɜːs /

verb

1. to spread false rumours about; defame

2. rare,  to sprinkle, as with water in baptism

Other Word Forms

• asperser noun
• aspersive adjective
• aspersively adverb
• unaspersed adjective
• unaspersive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asperse¹

1480–90; < Latin aspersus besprinkled (past participle of aspergere ), equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + -sper- (combining form of spar-, variant of sparg- sparge ) + -sus, variant of -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of asperse¹

C15: from Latin aspersus, from aspergere to sprinkle

Example Sentences

As so-called Christianity is based upon Judaism, I undertake to show the fabulous character of many of the claims of the Jews, disclaiming all intention to asperse the character of Israelites of the present generation.

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To impeach; to accuse; to asperse; to inform against; to reproach.

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I would give my life rather than hear her aspersed by a calumnious word--give my life, aye, readily, willingly.'

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Let no one write my epitaph; for as no man who knows my motives dares now to vindicate them, let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them.

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Charnock, without a scruple, aspersed all girls up to the age of say twenty-four, that he might give her greater praise.

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