defame
to attack the good name or reputation of, as by uttering or publishing maliciously or falsely anything injurious; slander or libel; calumniate: The newspaper editorial defamed the politician.
Archaic. to disgrace; bring dishonor upon.
Archaic. to accuse.
Origin of defame
1Other words for defame
Other words from defame
- de·fam·er, noun
- de·fam·ing·ly, adverb
- un·de·famed, adjective
- un·de·fam·ing, adjective
Words that may be confused with defame
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use defame in a sentence
His great address consists in appearing to favor whilst he defames me, and in giving to his perfidy an air of generosity.
The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau, Complete | Jean Jacques RousseauActing in the capacity of calumniator, he seeks out and defames the innocent.
Is the Devil a Myth? | C. F. WimberlyIn the intoxication he defames and often slays his previous mistress.
Idling in Italy | Joseph CollinsHe that defames her must do battle with me—my adversary in coat of mail, I in doublet of silk.
Told by the Death's Head | Mr JkaiBut Dennis's heart is big and kind: he defames no one; he is merely a harmless romancer.
The Life Of Abraham Lincoln | Ward H. Lamon
British Dictionary definitions for defame
/ (dɪˈfeɪm) /
to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel
archaic to indict or accuse
Origin of defame
1Derived forms of defame
- defamer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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