aspersion
Translation
aspersion, slander, slur
Examples
I would not cast aspersions on your character.
I would not cast aspersions on your character.
Grammar Patterns
to cast aspersions on ((sb./sth.)) to make damaging or critical remarks about sb./sth. He was casting aspersions on his colleague's work.
Similar Words
Synonyms: slander, slur, defamation, calumny.
Etymology
From Latin 'aspergere' (to sprinkle), from 'ad-' (to) + 'spargere' (to scatter). Originally meant sprinkling holy water, but evolved to mean 'sprinkling' damaging remarks.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'sprinkling' or 'splashing' mud on someone's reputation. It's almost always used in the phrase 'to cast aspersions'.