defame
Use Defame in a sentence
verb (used with object), de·famed, de·fam·ing.
1.
2.
Archaic. to disgrace; bring dishonor upon.
3.
Archaic. to accuse.
Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English defamen (< Anglo-French defamer) < Medieval Latin dēfāmāre, by-form of Medieval Latin, Latin diffāmāre (dē- de- for dif-; compare Latin dēfāmātus infamous) to spread the news of, slander, equivalent to dif- dif- + -fāmāre verbal derivative of fāma news, rumor, slander (see fame); replacing Middle English diffamen (< Anglo-French, Old French diffamer) < Medieval Latin, Latin, as above
1275–1325; Middle English defamen (< Anglo-French defamer) < Medieval Latin dēfāmāre, by-form of Medieval Latin, Latin diffāmāre (dē- de- for dif-; compare Latin dēfāmātus infamous) to spread the news of, slander, equivalent to dif- dif- + -fāmāre verbal derivative of fāma news, rumor, slander (see fame); replacing Middle English diffamen (< Anglo-French, Old French diffamer) < Medieval Latin, Latin, as above
Related forms
de·fam·er, noun
de·fam·ing·ly, adverb
un·de·famed, adjective
un·de·fam·ing, adjective
Synonyms
1. malign, disparage, discredit, vilify, derogate, revile, denigrate, backbite.
1. malign, disparage, discredit, vilify, derogate, revile, denigrate, backbite.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To defame
00:10
Defame
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
defame (dɪˈfeɪm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel |
| 2. | archaic to indict or accuse |
| [C14: from Old French defamer, from Latin dēfāmāre, from diffāmāre to spread by unfavourable report, from fāma | |
| de'famer | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
defame
c.1300, from O.Fr. defamer, from M.L. defamare, from L. diffamare "to spread abroad by ill report," from dis- suggestive of ruination + fama "a report, rumor."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
Typical elitist, unwilling to take responsibility for his actions and attempts to defame and slander his coach.
He said the film would depict individuals and would not defame or stereotype a group.
By impugning our actions, for what appears to be some political gain, you defame us and do your viewers a profound disservice.
If you defame someone, one possible way to resolve the problem is to publish a retraction.
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