asperse

[ uh-spurs ]

verb (used with object)

, as·persed, as·pers·ing.

1. to attack with false, malicious, and damaging charges or insinuations; slander.

   Synonyms: traduce, abuse, malign

2. to sprinkle; bespatter.

asperse

/ əˈspɜːs /

verb

1. to spread false rumours about; defame
2. rare.
   to sprinkle, as with water in baptism

Derived Forms

• asˈpersive, adjective
• asˈperser, noun
• asˈpersively, adverb

Other Words From

• as·perser noun
• as·persive adjective
• as·persive·ly adverb
• unas·persed adjective
• unas·persive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asperse¹

1480–90; < Latin aspersus besprinkled (past participle of aspergere ), equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + -sper- (combining form of spar-, variant of sparg- sparge ) + -sus, variant of -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of asperse¹

C15: from Latin aspersus, from aspergere to sprinkle

Example Sentences

I don't wish to asperse the fellow, but he does have a background as a Republican staffer and operative.

From The Daily Beast

As for the company at the Wells, he would challenge every man at Epsom, if necessary, if he should dare to asperse his bravery.

From Project Gutenberg

We were not long in finding who it was that had been so base as to asperse the character of a family so harmless as ours.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything that rancour, low wit, and deplorable ignorance could conceive to asperse my government, was put in execution.

From Project Gutenberg

Superior excellence is the general mark for calumny; and envy is usually led to asperse what it cannot imitate.

From Project Gutenberg

Wait until your honest Evan comes back before you venture to asperse his lordship's deputy.'

From Project Gutenberg