defame/dɪˈfeɪm/Third PersondefamesPresent ParticipledefamingPast TensedefamedPast Participledefamed1to wrongly or intentionally damage someone's reputationRumors can quickly defame an innocent person if they spread uncontrollably.She threatened to sue the magazine for trying to defame her character.Synonyms: smearcalumniateslanderaspersesullydenigratebesmirchsmirch