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aspersion

[ uh-spur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]
/ əˈspɜr ʒən, -ʃən /
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See synonyms for aspersion on Thesaurus.com
noun
a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival.
the act of slandering; vilification; calumniation; derogation; defamation: Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored.
the act of sprinkling, as in baptism.
Archaic. a shower or spray.
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Origin of aspersion

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin aspersiōn- (stem of aspersiō ) “a sprinkling”; see asperse, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM aspersion

non·as·per·sion, noun

Words nearby aspersion

aspergillum, aspergillus, asperity, aspermia, asperse, aspersion, aspersorium, asphalt, asphaltene, asphaltite, asphalt jungle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to aspersion

abuse, animadversion, calumny, defamation, detraction, hit, invective, knock, libel, obloquy, put down, rap, slam, slander, smear, vituperation, backbiting, black eye

How to use aspersion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for aspersion

aspersion
/ (əˈspɜːʃən) /
noun
a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions (on))
the act of defaming
rare the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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