calumniate

/kə-ˈləm-nē-ˌāt/

verb

  1. to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about

  2. to injure the reputation of by calumny

malign traduce asperse vilify calumniate defame slander mean to injure by speaking ill of. malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying. traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.