Definition of defame

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< defamation

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de·fame    (d-fm) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
de·famed, de·fam·ing, de·fames

1. To damage the reputation, character, or good name of by slander or libel. See Synonyms at malign.
2. Archaic To disgrace.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English defamen, from Old French defamer, from Medieval Latin dfmre, alteration of Latin diffmre, to spread news of, slander : dis-, abroad, apart ; see dis- + fma, rumor, reputation; see bh-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
de·famer(Noun)