DEFAMATION

aspersion, calumny, slander, defamation, denigration

(noun) an abusive attack on a person’s character or good name

defamation, calumny, calumniation, obloquy, traducement, hatchet job

(noun) a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

defamation (countable and uncountable, plural defamations)

The act of injuring another person's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another.

Synonyms

• aspersion, calumny, detraction, false light, libel, slander, aftertale

• See also slander

Source: Wiktionary

Def`a*ma"tion, n. Etym: [OE. diffamacioun, F. diffamation. See Defame.]

Definition: Act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.

Note: In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander. Burrill.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition