Definitions

defame

[dih-feym] / dɪˈfeɪm /

VERB

inflict libel or slander

Synonyms

STRONGEST

besmirch denigrate discredit disgrace disparage malign scandalize smear vilify

STRONG

asperse belie blacken blister calumniate detract dishonor knock pan roast scorch slam stigmatize traduce vituperate

WEAK

bad-mouth cast aspersions cast slur on do a number on put zingers on speak evil of throw mud at villainize

Antonyms

STRONGEST

commend compliment flatter honor laud praise

WEAK

approve exalt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Defame me Sarah, but just for 20 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2023

Defame, malign, rail at, revile, slander, vilify, and vituperate are used always in a bad sense.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

Defame, de-fām′, v.t. to take away or destroy the good fame or reputation of: to speak evil of: to charge falsely.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Vocabulary lists containing defame

100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

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New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)

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Intermediate, List 6

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