character assassination

American  

noun

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

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character assassination British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of character assassination

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Lawyers acting for Dean's mother have said the document appears to be a "character assassination" of both him and his family, to keep Pierce beyond reproach.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

When stories like this come out in the news, it can become a character assassination.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2025

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

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

The “lopsided” result, he said, would erase key context and was “actually a form of character assassination by the prosecution.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Once one of Appalachia’s wealthiest men, Blankenship has spent thousands on lawsuits alleging he has been the victim of defamation and character assassination, all of which have been rejected by courts — including the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024