verb
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to spread false rumours about; defame
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rare to sprinkle, as with water in baptism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of asperse
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
Vocabulary lists containing asperse
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The hereditary duties of the King's Champion are to "gird himself in complete armor," ride out upon a noble charger, fling down his gauntlet, offer to fight all "liars and traitors" who asperse King Edward.
From Time Magazine Archive
With this threat blazoned, the British note went on to asperse individually and by name five officials of the Soviet Government.
From Time Magazine Archive
For endeavoring to asperse your petitioner's personal character in the most infamous manner.
From Colonel John Brown, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Brave Accuser of Benedict Arnold by Howe, Archibald Murray
But we may question whether the poet did not unduly idealize the past, as is the custom of poets, and whether he did not unfairly asperse the present.
From Americanisms and Briticisms with other essays on other isms by Matthews, Brander
Let no man write my epitaph; for, as no one who knows my motives dares now vindicate them, let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them.
From Shakspere, Personal Recollections by Joyce, John A.
During the first nine months of 1923 there were: Births 584,458 Deaths 506,007 Birth rate excess 78,451 The Paris press aspersed U. S. lib erty.
From Time Magazine Archive
This lady's charms the nicest could not blame, But vile suspicions had aspersed her fame; That was with sense, but not with virtue, blest:240 And one had grace, that wanted all the rest.
From The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume 1 New Edition by Pope, Alexander
After all that has happened I do not hold myself bound, nor do I intend, to consider anyone or anything in comparison with the credit of the name which has been so foully aspersed.
From Name and Fame A Novel by Sergeant, Adeline
When I remonstrated for more seamen, I was called an enemy to Government: now I am told that I want to strew the King's pillow with thorns: am traduced, aspersed, calumniated from morning to night.
From Lord Chatham His Early Life and Connections by Rosebery, Archibald Phillip Primrose
I would give my life rather than hear her aspersed by a calumnious word--give my life, aye, readily, willingly.'
From Fickle Fortune by Elisabeth Burstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
J. Without unfairly aspersing Homer Cummings, it can be said that the D. o.
From Time Magazine Archive
He had brought this suit against Le Journal of Paris for libelously aspersing his patriotism as an Alsatian.
From Time Magazine Archive
When the practice of 'reversing' Revolutionised the dance, Dear Mamma was heard aspersing Fashions introduced from France.
From The Motley Muse (Rhymes for the Times) by Graham, Harry
Nel didn’t tell you, I suppose, while he was engaged in aspersing my character, that there is a feud of long standing between us which is principally of his making?”
From The Shadow of the Past by Young, F.E. Mills
Do you remember her aspersing Miss Blandy's character?—I do not recollect.
From Trial of Mary Blandy by Roughead, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
