calumniate

[ kuh-luhm-nee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ca·lum·ni·at·ed, ca·lum·ni·at·ing.

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

calumniate

/ kəˈlʌmnɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to slander

Derived Forms

• caˈlumniˌator, noun
• caˈlumniable, adjective
• caˌlumniˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ca·lumni·ation noun
• ca·lumni·ator noun
• nonca·lumni·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumniate¹

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

Example Sentences

Young men there are who behind our backs calumniate us and before us kiss our hands, with a base smile begging kind looks from us!

From Project Gutenberg

The hired advocate may calumniate as he will, but he can show no collusion or connivance on your part.

From Project Gutenberg

The imbeciles are not content to calumniate, to persecute, to make wretched the artist in his lifetime.

From Project Gutenberg

Calumniate a human being in youth—adulate that being in age;—what has been the interval?

From Project Gutenberg

But what would become of "bad tongues" in this world if there were not generous natures to calumniate and vilify?

From Project Gutenberg