kompromat

American  

[kom-pruh-mat] / ˈkɒm prəˌmæt /

noun

Russian.

1. compromising and incriminating material that is sometimes forged or fabricated, used to sabotage or discredit a political opponent or public figure.

   Kompromat can destabilize the political process and undermine trust in governments and institutions.

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Etymology

Origin of kompromat

First recorded in 1990–95; short for kompro(metiruyushchiy) mat(erial), literally, “compromising material”

Example Sentences

According to Mr. Schindler, it appeared Epstein “was running a kind of kompromat operation on his super-wealthy pals.”

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2023

There are many potential answers: Russian kompromat, Twitter flaming, primary challengers and so on.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2020

He alleged that the illegal materials had been planted on his computer as a form of kompromat, or compromising material commonly used in the former Soviet Union to embarrass or blackmail political adversaries.

From Washington Post • Oct. 30, 2019

This conclusion doesn’t require any wild theories about kompromat or dual loyalty.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2018

American intelligence officials were also wary of the purported kompromat the Russian wanted to sell.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2018