aspersion
uh-SPER-zhun
/əˈspɜːrʒən/
An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.
Almost always used in the plural ('aspersions') and usually with the verb 'cast.' It implies a subtle, damaging suggestion rather than a direct shout.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'aspersio' meant 'a sprinkling.' Originally, it was used for sprinkling holy water. Over time, the metaphor shifted from sprinkling water to 'sprinkling' dirt or lies onto someone's clean reputation.
Word relationships
- slander: Slander is a legal term for spoken defamation; aspersion is a more general literary term.
- defamation: Defamation is the act of damaging a reputation; aspersion is the specific remark that does it.
- commendation: A commendation is a formal praise.
- endorsement: An endorsement is a public statement of support.
Commonly confused with
- dispersion: Dispersion is the act of spreading things out; aspersion is a damaging remark.
Word family
- asperse (verb): to attack with false charges or insinuations
Collocations
- cast aspersions
- aspersions on character
- malicious aspersions
Example sentences
- "I will not allow you to cast aspersions on the honesty of my client without evidence." A legal defense.
- "The campaign was marred by aspersions regarding the candidate's past business dealings." A political scandal.
Memory hook
ASPERSIONS are like AS-PERSON-SMEARS—smearing a person's name. Sprinkling dirt.
When not to use
Do not use for a direct face-to-face insult; it's more like slander behind someone's back.
Fun facts
- The same root 'spargere' gives us 'disperse' and 'sparse.'
Related words
Also appears in
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