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aspersion

 - 3 dictionary results

as⋅per⋅sion

  [uh-spur-zhuhn, -shuhn]
Use aspersion in a Sentence
–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

Synonyms:
1. censure, reproach.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To aspersion
as·per·sion   (ə-spûr'zhən, -shən)   
n.  

    1. An unfavorable or damaging remark; slander: Don't cast aspersions on my honesty.

    2. The act of defaming or slandering.

  2. A sprinkling, especially with holy water.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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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