calumniate

American  

[kuh-luhm-nee-eyt] / kəˈlʌm niˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

calumniated, calumniating

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

---

calumniate British  

/ kəˈlʌmnɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to slander

---

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of calumniate

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

Explanation

To calumniate is to make a false accusation against someone or spread lies about how awful they are. Don’t calumniate your rival in the race for class president, because when the truth comes out, you’ll be the bad guy. The courts would say to calumniate is to slander. Everyone else would just say it’s mean. Calumniate is just a fancier way of saying “lie” — but specifically lying to tarnish someone's reputation. If your sister says you purposely broke a vase and you didn't, she calumniates you. If you get in trouble in class, you could calumniate to the principal about your teacher being a wretched mess — but the other students might speak up and prove you wrong.

Example Sentences

To tell lie about; to calumniate; to slander.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

O you who calumniate me without knowing me, come and hear the concert of benedictions which fall upon me from a crowd of good hearts and you will go away undeceived.

From Beaumarchais and the War of American Independence by Kite, Elizabeth S.

I am too well aware how men can lie and calumniate.

From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)

"But you don't suppose I'm going to calumniate anybody, I hope!" said Roland, opening his eyes.

From Roland Graeme: Knight A Novel of Our Time by Machar, Agnes Maule

But he must not calumniate as he passes.

From From the Easy Chair, series 2 by Curtis, George William