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defame (v.)
"speak evil of, maliciously speak or write what injures the reputation of," c. 1300, from Old French defamer (13c., Modern French diffamer), from Medieval Latin defamare, from Latin diffamare "to spread abroad by ill report, make a scandal of," from dis-, here probably suggestive of ruination, + fama "a report, rumor" (from PIE root *bha- (2) "to speak, tell, say"). Related: Defamed; defaming.

updated on October 13, 2021
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Dictionary entries near defame
defacement
defalcate
defalcation
defamation
defamatory
defame
defatigable
default
defaulter
defeasance
defeat