'Defame' definitions:
Definition of 'Defame'
From: GCIDE
- Defame \De*fame"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Defaming.] [OE. defamen, diffamen, from F. diffamer, or OF. perh. defamer, fr. L. diffamare (cf. defamatus infamous); dis- (in this word confused with de) + fama a report. See Fame.]
- 1. To harm or destroy the good fame or reputation of; to disgrace; especially, to speak evil of maliciously; to dishonor by slanderous reports; to calumniate; to asperse. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To render infamous; to bring into disrepute. [1913 Webster]
- My guilt thy growing virtues did defame; My blackness blotted thy unblemish'd name. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- 3. To charge; to accuse. [R.] [1913 Webster]
- Rebecca is . . . defamed of sorcery practiced on the person of a noble knight. --Sir W. Scott.
- Syn: To asperse; slander; calumniate; vilify. See Asperse. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Defame'
From: GCIDE
- Defame \De*fame"\, n. Dishonor. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]