Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [dih-feym]
- /dɪˈfeɪm/
- /dɪˈfeɪm/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [dih-feym]
- /dɪˈfeɪm/
Definitions of defame word
- verb defame If someone defames another person or thing, they say bad and untrue things about them. 3
- verb defame to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel 3
- verb defame to indict or accuse 3
- verb transitive defame to attack or injure the reputation or honor of by false and malicious statements; malign, slander, or libel 3
- verb transitive defame to bring infamy on; disgrace 3
- verb transitive defame to accuse 3
Information block about the term
Origin of defame
First appearance:
before 1275 One of the 13% oldest English words
1275-1325; Middle English defamen (< Anglo-French defamer) < Medieval Latin dēfāmāre, by-form of Medieval Latin, Latin diffāmāre (dē- de- for dif-; compare Latin dēfāmātus infamous) to spread the news of, slander, equivalent to dif- dif- + -fāmāre verbal derivative of fāma news, rumor, slander (see fame); replacing Middle English diffamen (< Anglo-French, Old French diffamer) < Medieval Latin, Latin, as above
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Defame
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
defame popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 71% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
defame usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for defame
verb defame
- disparage — to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle: Do not disparage good manners.
- disgrace — the loss of respect, honor, or esteem; ignominy; shame: the disgrace of criminals.
- scandalize — to shock or horrify by something considered immoral or improper.
- smear — to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over something: to smear butter on bread.
- malign — to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame: to malign an honorable man.
Antonyms for defame
verb defame
- compliment — A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done.
- laud — to praise; extol.
- praise — the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
- honor — honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
- commend — If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally.
Top questions with defame
- what does defame mean?
- how to defame someone on the internet?
- what is the meaning of defame?
- how to defame someone?
- what is defame?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with d
- Words starting with de
- Words starting with def
- Words starting with defa
- Words starting with defam
- Words starting with defame