(pronounced uh-SPER-zhun)

The fact that the first part of this word is “asp” reminds us of its sinister tone. It a noun that means a disparaging remark or an untrue or deceptive charge that is meant to damage an individual’s reputation – i.e., slander or defamation. It can also mean the act of making such an accusation.

EXAMPLE: Even though she hated the idea of it, Catherine considered filing a lawsuit against the builder of the development her firm had spent two years working on after they directed outrageous aspersions toward her firm, outright lying and tarnishing her reputation.