calumny

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkaləmni/

noun (plural calumnies)

[mass noun]
  • the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander: a bitter struggle marked by calumny and litigation
  • [count noun] a false and slanderous statement: a change in the law would prevent the press from publishing calumnies

verb (calumnies, calumnying, calumnied)

[with object] formal
  • slander (someone).

Derivatives

calumnious

Pronunciation: /kəˈlʌmnɪəs/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin calumnia