verb (used with object), de·famed, de·fam·ing.
- to attack the good name or reputation of, as by uttering or publishing maliciously or falsely anything injurious; slander or libel; calumniate: The newspaper editorial defamed the politician.
- Archaic. to disgrace; bring dishonor upon.
- Archaic. to accuse.
verb (tr)
- to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel
- archaic to indict or accuse
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- suggestive of ruination + fama “a report, rumor” (see fame (n.)). Related: Defamed; defaming.