1. to attack or criticize someone’s reputation or character with false or damaging statements
Usage: formal
2. to sprinkle or scatter liquid on something
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• The politician’s opponents tried to asperse his character with unfounded accusations.
• She refused to asperse her former colleague’s reputation despite their disagreement.
• The tabloid newspaper aspersed the celebrity with malicious rumors.
• Critics aspersed the author’s work without reading it thoroughly.
• The priest aspersed the congregation with holy water during the ceremony.
• Morning dew aspersed the garden flowers with tiny droplets.