Meaning & Definition of word "Calumny"

Calumny

/ˈkæl.əm.ni/

1. The making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation.
- Example: The politician was a victim of calumny, as false rumors circulated about his past.
2. A false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone.
- Example: She was deeply hurt by the calumny that spread through the community.
3. A false accusation or slander.
- Example: He managed to clear his name after the calumny directed at him was proven baseless.

●Derived from Latin 'calumnia', meaning 'slander'.

calumny of design:

A deliberate false representation intended to harm.

to fall victim to calumny:

To be unfairly accused or maligned.

slander:

The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

defamation:

The action of damaging the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

Meaning: Smear campaign

● Example Sentence: The tabloids launched a smear campaign filled with calumny against the actress.

Meaning: Character assassination

● Example Sentence: The allegations were nothing more than character assassination disguised as calumny.