cast aspersions

/kɑːst əˈspɜː.ʃənz/
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Make damaging, often unfair suggestions about someone.

Examples

  • His rivals cast aspersions on his motives.
  • She refused to cast aspersions without evidence.
  • The article tried to cast aspersions on her honesty.
  • The rumour cast aspersions on the judge.
  • I do not mean to cast aspersions on the team.

Similar words

make insinuations
disparage
smear

Meanings

Damage a reputation by insinuation

reputation
formal
Usually followed by on, it means making disparaging remarks that call someone’s character into question.

Examples

  • The article tried to cast aspersions on her honesty.
  • I do not mean to cast aspersions on the team.
  • His rivals cast aspersions on his motives.
  • She refused to cast aspersions without evidence.
  • The rumour cast aspersions on the judge.

Similar words

Etymology

Aspersions originally meant sprinklings, from Latin aspergere, to sprinkle. The word later took on a figurative sense of blame.

FAQ

What does cast aspersions mean?

Cast aspersions means make damaging suggestions about someone.

When is cast aspersions used?

It normally takes on before the person or quality being attacked.

How does cast aspersions differ from criticize?

Criticize can be direct and fair; cast aspersions suggests disparaging insinuation.

How is cast aspersions used in a sentence?

The article tried to cast aspersions on her honesty.

Is cast aspersions formal?

Yes, it is a formal phrase.

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