Badmouth: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone talks negatively about another person, usually behind their back. It has a casual tone and is often used in informal conversations.

• I can't believe she would badmouth her best friend like that.
• He's always badmouthing his coworkers.

This word is used when someone evaluates or points out faults or mistakes in someone or something. It can be neutral or negative, depending on the context and manner of criticism.

• The teacher criticized the student’s essay for lack of clarity.
• She tends to criticize her own work very harshly.

This word is used when someone speaks harmful and untrue things about another person, often with the intent to cause damage. It is quite formal and carries a negative connotation.

• She was maligned by the press during the campaign.
• It's unfair to malign someone without knowing the full story.

This word is used when someone speaks false statements about another person that can damage their reputation. It is typically used in legal contexts and carries a strong negative connotation.

• The celebrity sued the magazine for slander.
• Slander can have serious consequences for someone's career.

This word is used when someone tries to damage another person's reputation by making false statements. It is often used in legal or formal contexts and has a strong negative connotation.

• He filed a lawsuit because someone tried to defame his character.
• The article was meant to defame the politician.