What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Aspersion vs Besmirch - What's the difference?

aspersion | besmirch |

As a noun aspersion

is an attack on somebody's reputation or good name, often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon….

As a verb besmirch is

to make dirty; to soil.

aspersion

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An attack on somebody's reputation or good name, often in the phrase to cast aspersions upon… .
  • *
  • (label) A sprinkling of .
  • * 1610 , , act 4 scene 1
    • If thou dost break her virgin knot before
    All sanctimonious ceremonies may
    With full and holy rite be minister'd,
    No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall
    To make this contract grow; but barren hate [...]

    Synonyms

    * slander * See also

    Derived terms

    * cast aspersions

    besmirch

    English

    Verb

    (es)
  • To make dirty; to soil.
  • To tarnish something, especially someone's reputation; to debase.
    • The newspaper was on a campaign to besmirch the actor.