as·per·sion

[uh-spur-zhuhn, -shuhn]
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; (< Middle French) < Latin aspersiōn- (stem of aspersiō) a sprinkling. See asperse, -ion

non·as·per·sion, noun


1. censure, reproach.
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World English Dictionary
aspersion (əˈspɜːʃən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions (on))
2.  the act of defaming
3.  rare the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

aspersion
mid-15c., 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 1590s. To cast aspersions
was in Fielding (1749).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Far be it for me to cast aspersion on an estimable guide whose business it is to entertain his guests.
It has been left for his professed friends to fasten upon him this damning aspersion.
He is too preoccupied with his outrage that anyone would dare to cast an aspersion on his perfect facade.
As an aside, casting aspersion on the whole nation is despicable.
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