asperse

Asperse is a verb meaning to make false or damaging statements about someone or to cast aspersions on their character; in other words, to slander, defame, or spread rumors without evidence. It is typically used to describe attempts to undermine a person’s reputation by insinuation rather than by presenting verified facts. The form is transitive: one asperse someone or something, and one can asperse a person’s reputation or integrity.

Etymology and history: asperse derives from the Latin verb aspergere, meaning to sprinkle or scatter. In English, the term has appeared since the early modern period and is closely related to the noun phrase “to cast aspersions on,” which conveys a similar sense of discrediting someone through unfounded or dubious remarks. The vocabulary tends to carry a somewhat formal or literary tone and is more common in writing than in everyday speech.

Usage and nuance: asperse emphasizes the act of making ungrounded allegations that aim to harm reputation. It often appears in discussions of ethics, journalism, law, or rhetoric, where the credibility of claims is in question. Because it implies a lack of evidence, the term can sound moralizing or evaluative; writers may prefer alternatives such as slander, defame, or undermine, depending on context.

Examples: The columnist was accused of asperse the scientist’s work by presenting unverified claims as facts. The defense argued that the piece aspersed his character without merit, damaging his professional standing. See also the related expression “cast aspersions on,” which conveys a similar idea of doubt or suspicion cast upon someone’s reputation.