calumny

noun cal·um·ny \ˈka-ləm-nē also ˈkal-yəm-\

: an untrue statement that is made to damage someone's reputation; also : the act of making such statements

plural cal·um·nies

Full Definition of CALUMNY

: a misrepresentation intended to harm another's reputation

: the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another's reputation

— ca·lum·ni·ous \kə-ˈləm-nē-əs\ adjective

— ca·lum·ni·ous·ly adverb

See calumny defined for English-language learners

Origin of CALUMNY

Middle English calumnye, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French calomnie, from Latin calumnia, from calvi to deceive; perhaps akin to Old English hōlian to slander, Greek kēlein to beguile

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CALUMNY

Synonyms: aspersing, blackening, calumniation, slander, character assassination, defamation, defaming, libel, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifying

Learn More About CALUMNY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "calumny"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "calumny"

Nglish: Translation of "calumny" for Spanish speakers

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