calumniate

[ kuh-luhm-nee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ca·lum·ni·at·ed, ca·lum·ni·at·ing.

1. to make false and malicious statements about; slander.

calumniate

/ kəˈlʌmnɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to slander

Derived Forms

• caˈlumniˌator, noun
• caˈlumniable, adjective
• caˌlumniˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ca·lumni·ation noun
• ca·lumni·ator noun
• nonca·lumni·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumniate¹

1545–55; < Latin calumniātus (past participle of calumniārī to accuse falsely, trick), equivalent to calumni ( a ) calumny + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

“But I say to you: Love your enemies: Do good to them that hate you: And pray for them that persecute and calumniate you,” Jesus says in that Gospel verse.

From Washington Times

Yet a TV host who has never served in uniform does not hesitate to calumniate a wounded war hero — and his audience applauds his cruelty and shamelessness.

From Washington Post

Fools, trolls, those with a fifth-grade understanding of history — all of them joined to calumniate him and suggest his statement was wrong.

From Washington Post

Crucify, Castigate and, yes, even if necessary, Calumniate The Process.

From Washington Post

I am too well aware how men can lie and calumniate.

From Project Gutenberg