aspersion

[ uh-spur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander:

   casting aspersions on a campaign rival.

   Synonyms: reproach, censure

2. the act of slandering; vilification; calumniation; derogation; defamation:

   Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored.

3. the act of sprinkling, as in baptism.
4. Archaic. a shower or spray.

aspersion

/ əˈspɜːʃən /

noun

1. a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp in the phrase cast aspersions ( on ))
2. the act of defaming
3. rare.
   the act of sprinkling, esp of water in baptism

Other Word Forms

• nonas·persion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspersion¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin aspersiōn- (stem of aspersiō ) “a sprinkling”; asperse, -ion

Example Sentences

Much of the 2025 Oscars felt like the show was just trying to make it across the finish line without any more sudden aspersions or disasters.

From Salon

Voices were raised, eyes rolled, aspersions cast - and all in front of the world's TV cameras.

From BBC

"The aspersions cast on him by the Government of Canada are ludicrous and deserve to be treated with contempt," it said.

From BBC

In a speech in North Carolina, he accused Zelensky of “making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president — me,” and declared that except for the capital, Kyiv, Ukraine is “in rubble.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Like many such vetting documents, they contained past statements with the potential to be embarrassing or damaging, such as Mr. Vance’s remarks casting aspersions on Mr. Trump.”

From Los Angeles Times