aspersion
pronunciation
How to pronounce aspersion in British English:
UK [əs'pɜ:ʃən]
How to pronounce aspersion in American English:
US [əˈspəʒən, -ʃən]
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- Noun:
- a disparaging remark
- an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
- the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)
Word Origin
- aspersion
- aspersion: see spread
- aspersion (n.)
- mid-15c., from Latin aspersionem (nominative aspersio) "a sprinkling," noun of action from past participle stem of aspergere "to sprinkle on," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + spargere "sprinkle, strew" (see sparse). Originally in theology, the shedding of Christ's blood. Modern sense of "a bespattering with slander" first attested 1590s. To cast aspersions was in Fielding (1749).
Example
- 1. That is only the latest aspersion cast on various police forces by this affair .
- 2. We cast no aspersion on the man or his program . Mr. obama , in his short career , has not strongly associated himself with any policy idea .
- 3. It is our genuine hope that the agreements on hebron will finally dispel this aspersion .
- 4. In the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion .
- 5. Should you hear my name blackened and maligned , will you credit the aspersion ?