verb
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to spread false rumours about; defame
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rare to sprinkle, as with water in baptism
Other Word Forms
- asperser noun
- aspersive adjective
- aspersively adverb
- unaspersed adjective
- unaspersive adjective
Etymology
Origin of asperse
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With this threat blazoned, the British note went on to asperse individually and by name five officials of the Soviet Government.
From Time Magazine Archive
The hereditary duties of the King's Champion are to "gird himself in complete armor," ride out upon a noble charger, fling down his gauntlet, offer to fight all "liars and traitors" who asperse King Edward.
From Time Magazine Archive
Although they refused to listen to these promises, yet the ready tongue of calumny took advantage of circumstances connected with the surrender of the fort of Mirabocco to asperse their integrity.
From The Vaudois of Piedmont A Visit to their Valleys by Worsfold, J. N. (John Napper)
"Not even scandal could asperse her motives in the present case," said Lady Hester, with an insolent laugh.
From The Daltons, Volume I (of II) Or,Three Roads In Life by Lever, Charles James
Thou dost asperse me rudely, and excuse Of ignorance hast none, far better taught; What words were these?
From The Odyssey of Homer by Cowper, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
