aspersion

[uh-spur-zhuhn, -shuhn]

noun

1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander.

   casting aspersions on a campaign rival.

   Synonyms: reproach, censure

2. the act of slandering; vilification; calumniation; derogation; defamation.

   Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored.

3. the act of sprinkling, as in baptism.

4. Archaic.,  a shower or spray.

aspersion

/ əˈspɜːʃən /

noun

1. a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions ( on ))

2. the act of defaming

3. rare,  the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism

Other Word Forms

• nonaspersion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspersion¹

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

Example Sentences

It is probably easier to smirk or cast aspersions at the idea of a love for the ages than it is to accept that you have not met that person in your own life.

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"While we do not cast aspersions upon individuals, given the nature of Jeffrey Epstein's appalling crimes, we believe the university's leadership should, as a precautionary measure, be suspending its links with known associates of Epstein."

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And I don’t want to cast any aspersions on anyone involved with that project.

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“We maintain that the evidence does not support the verdict. It is unfortunate that aspersions and misperceptions of a culture were allowed to influence the trial,” attorney Rickey Ivie said in April.

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I’m not casting aspersions on anyone’s sobriety, I’m just noting that Pixar was founded on musing, “What if my lamp could jump?”

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