character assassination

noun

1. a slandering attack, especially one intended to damage the reputation of a public or political figure.

character assassination

noun

1. the act of deliberately attempting to destroy a person's reputation by defamatory remarks

Word History and Origins

Origin of character assassination¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

But while Knox’s character assassination dominated the news, Americans didn’t hear much about Guede.

From Salon

“In contrast to the formalities of the Washington Football Team investigation, Defendants’ treatment of Gruden was a Soviet-style character assassination,” the lawsuit alleged.

From Los Angeles Times

Gjert, who has accused his sons of a "perfect character assassination", was always of a simple belief.

From BBC

Chakraborty has also spoken about her ordeal, including how the name-calling and character assassination cost her work and how her family were also hounded.

From BBC

On Monday Millwall said reporting of the incident "contributed to an unwarranted character assassination" of Roberts.

From BBC