aspersion
UK[əˈspɜːʃən]US[əˈspɜːrʒən]
n
An attack on someone's reputation or good name, often by making false or misleading statements.
n
The act of sprinkling, especially in a religious rite (archaic).
Morpheme Breakdown
a
spers
ion
a
to, towards
spers
scatter
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'aspersion' originates from the Latin verb 'aspergere', meaning 'to sprinkle upon'. This verb is composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'spargere' (to scatter). In its original, literal sense, it referred to the act of sprinkling, particularly of water in baptismal rites. Over time, the metaphorical sense of 'scattering' damaging words or accusations emerged, leading to the modern primary meaning of casting damaging insinuations to besmirch someone's character. The connection lies in the image of figuratively sprinkling or scattering harmful rumors over a person's reputation.
Analysis
Structure: a (to, towards) + spers (scatter) + ion (noun suffix)
a: Latin prefix, from 'ad-' meaning 'to, towards'.
spers: Latin root, from 'spargere' meaning 'to scatter, sprinkle'.
ion: Latin suffix, forming nouns of action or condition.
Examples
He cast aspersions on the integrity of the entire committee.
The politician angrily denied the aspersions made by her opponent.
She felt her professional judgment was above aspersion.