calumniate

[kuh-luhm-nee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

calumniated, calumniating 

1. to make false and malicious statements about; slander.

calumniate

/ kəˈlʌmnɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to slander

Other Word Forms

• calumniation noun
• calumniator noun
• noncalumniating adjective
• calumniable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumniate¹

1545–55; < Latin calumniātus (past participle of calumniārī to accuse falsely, trick), equivalent to calumni ( a ) calumny + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Adams read in the newspapers that Jefferson had compiled “a Magazine of slips of newspapers, and pamphlets, vilifying, calumniating and defaming you.”

Read more on Literature

One person's cordiality is calumniated by dirty minds as sexual predation.

Read more on Washington Post

He went out more like Nixon, his accomplishments tainted by allegations of criminality, his circle of trust constricted by banishments, betrayals and arrests until it included few besides his temperamental wife and calumniating eldest son.

Read more on New York Times

“But I say to you: Love your enemies: Do good to them that hate you: And pray for them that persecute and calumniate you,” Jesus says in that Gospel verse.

Read more on Washington Times

I’m putting this politely: They have been calumniated and abused for centuries.

Read more on New York Times