Calumny - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

false accusation

The act of making false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
calumny	This word typically has a literary or old-fashioned tone and refers to making false and damaging statements about someone. The politician's career was ruined by the constant calumny spread about him
slander	Appropriate for false, damaging statements that are spoken rather than written. Spreading rumors that someone is dishonest can be considered slander
defamation	A more general legal term, suitable for describing false statements that damage someone's reputation in both spoken and written forms. She sued the magazine for defamation after they published a false story about her personal life
libel	Used specifically to describe false statements that are written or published, and damage someone's reputation. He accused the newspaper of libel for printing an article that wrongly suggested he was involved in a scandal

Examples of usage

She was a victim of calumny and her reputation was ruined.
The politician faced a campaign of calumny by his rivals.
The calumny spread quickly throughout the small town.
The journalist was accused of spreading calumny about the celebrity.
The calumny against him was proven to be false in court.

Interesting Facts

Law

In legal terms, calumny can be linked to defamation, which is the act of damaging another's reputation through false statements.
To succeed in a defamation lawsuit, the harmed party must typically prove that the false statements were published and caused harm.
Different jurisdictions have varying definitions and standards for what constitutes calumny or defamation.

Psychology

Calumny often arises from envy or a desire for power, reflecting deeper psychological motives such as insecurity or vindictiveness.
People who engage in calumny may feel a temporary sense of satisfaction, but this behavior often leads to long-term consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.
Understanding the motives behind calumny can help in developing strategies to counteract such harm.

Literature

Calumny has been a recurring theme in literature, often used to explore the destruction of reputations and personal relationships.
William Shakespeare frequently highlighted the consequences of calumnious behavior in plays like 'Othello' and 'Hamlet.'
In classic tales, characters facing calumny often undergo significant transformation as they confront or overcome the false narratives.

Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often depict characters falling victim to calumny, showcasing the impact of rumors and lies on their lives.
Social media has amplified calumny, where false allegations can quickly spread, leading to serious real-world consequences.
In recent years, public figures have become increasingly aware of calumny’s potential to influence public perception, often addressing falsehoods openly.

Origin of 'calumny'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'calumnia,' which means false accusation or slander.
Rooted in the Latin verb 'calumniari,' it carries connotations of deception and misrepresentation.
In medieval Latin, the term became associated specifically with malicious gossip.

The word 'calumny' originated from the Latin word 'calumnia', meaning 'false accusation' or 'trickery'. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has been used to describe the act of making false and damaging statements about someone ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,836, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21833 optimality
21834 archery
21835 insipid
21836 calumny
21837 reciprocally
21838 assaulting
21839 snort
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Calumny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations