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

"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."

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

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?”

From Los Angeles Times

Mahmood said: "It's disappointing... that some individuals have sought to question the validity of the Supreme Court or cast aspersions..."

From BBC