asperse
[verb]
Synonyms: malign, calumniate, defame, denigrate, libel, scandal, scandalize, slander, slur, traduce, baptize, christen, immerse, sprinkle

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Contrasted words: applaud, commend, compliment
Related Words: deride, mock, taunt, affront, insult, offend

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

asperse verb trans. [ǝ'spǝ:s] L15.
[Latin aspers- pa. ppl stem of aspergere ASPERGE.]
1. Besprinkle, bespatter, (a person or thing, with). arch. L15.
■ H. L'Estrange The child is thrice to be aspersed with water on the face.
■ M. Beerbohm Rain! His very mantle was aspersed. In another minute he would stand sodden.

2. Sprinkle in as an ingredient; intermingle. M16-E17.
■ E. Topsell Making a plaister thereof with Barley meal and a little Brimstone aspersed.

3. Sprinkle, scatter, (liquid, dust, etc.). arch. E17.
■ Southey Blood, which hung on every hair, Aspersed like dew-drops.

4. Attack the reputation of (a person) with injurious allegations etc. E17.
■ James Mill The criminations with which the leaders..appeared desirous of aspersing one another.

5. Spread false and injurious charges against; calumniate; detract from. M17.
■ Sir W. Scott There were foul tongues to asperse a Douglas.
■ L. A. G. Strong No one is aspersing their honesty.

■ asperser noun a person who asperses someone, a calumniator E18.

■ aspersive adjective (rare) defamatory M17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲