Aspersion definition | Dictionary.com

Synonyms

calumny, character assassination, defamation, detraction, scandal, slander, abuse, backbiting, baptism, innuendo, insult, invective

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Aspersion - 5 dictionary results

as⋅per⋅sion

[uh-spur-zhuh

n, -shuh

–noun

1.	a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival.

2.	the act of slandering; vilification; defamation; calumniation; derogation: Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored.

3.	the act of sprinkling, as in baptism.

4.	Archaic. a shower or spray.

Origin:
1545–55; (< MF) < L aspersiōn- (s. of aspersiō) a sprinkling. See asperse, -ion

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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as·per·sion (ə-spûr'zhən, -shən) Pronunciation Key
n.

1. An unfavorable or damaging remark; slander: Don't cast aspersions on my honesty.
2. The act of defaming or slandering.
A sprinkling, especially with holy water.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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aspersion

1448 (implied in verb asperse), from L. aspersionem (nom. aspersio), from pp. stem of aspergere "to sprinkle on," from ad- "to" + spargere "sprinkle, strew" (see sparse). In theology, the shedding of Christ's blood. Modern sense of "bespattering with slander" first attested 1596.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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aspersion
noun
1.	a disparaging remark; "in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion"; "it is difficult for a woman to understand a man's sensitivity to any slur on his virility"
2.	an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
3.	the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)