calumny (noun) - the malicious spreading of false charges or misrepresentations with the intent to harm someone's reputation (also calumniation) [kal-uhm-nee]
calumniate means make false and defamatory statements
calumnious means slanderous and defamatory
BREAKDOWN: The cruel word calumny has a long history, coming to English from the French calomnie also meaning slander meant to damage a reputation. The word can be accurately traced to the Latin calvor meaning to deceive with potential but speculative connections to earlier words and roots.
“A man calumniated is doubly injured—first by him who utters the calumny, and then by him who believes it.” —Herodotus
[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]
I love this word! When I also think how interesting it is that some “mn” words pronounce the “n” (like this one) and others (like “damn”) don’t, I have so much compassion for my non-native-English-speaking friends! :)) - Dominique P.