aspersion

noun

as·​per·​sion ə-ˈspər-zhən 

-shən

1

a

: a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation

casting aspersions on her integrity

b

: the act of making such a charge : defamation

2

: a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies

the aspersion of the congregation before Mass

Did you know?

Aspersion Did Not Always Have Negative Connotations

"No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall / To make this contract grow." In this line from Shakespeare's The Tempest, aspersion literally refers to a sprinkling of rain, but figuratively means "blessing." Shakespeare's use is true to the heritage of the term: aspersion comes from the Latin word aspersus, a form of the verb aspergere, which means "to sprinkle" or "to scatter." When aspersion first appeared in English in the 16th century, it referred to the type of sprinklings (for instance, of holy water) that occur in religious ceremonies. But English speakers noted that splatters can soil and stain, and it wasn’t long before aspersion was also being used for reports that stain or tarnish a reputation.

Examples of aspersion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even as China’s coercive capabilities and threatening behavior have rightly focused U.S. attention on the risks to American interests, the absence of clear metrics for success leaves the door open for partisan aspersions of the Biden administration’s approach. —Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024

Soon, politicians arrive at the local village to deliver empty sermons about compensation, but aspersions are cast on the dead man and his middle-aged son Ganesh (Nemchand), who are accused of concocting a suicide scheme for a quick payout. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 Feb. 2024

The author casts unconfirmed aspersions on the agency. —Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 Dec. 2023

This potential smoking gun could be a destabilizing and demoralizing blow for many members of the Indigenous community, who in the past 12 months also have seen aspersions cast on the heritage of high-profile figures including Sacheen Littlefeather and independent film producer Heather Rae. —Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

see asperse

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

aspersion

noun

as·​per·​sion ə-ˈspər-zhən 

: an evil report or false charge

cast aspersions on a person