Maligning

The act of speaking about someone in a way that is intended to harm their reputation; to defame or slander. maligning often involves making false or misleading statements about an individual or group, with the purpose of generating negativity or distrust against them. It is typically associated with deliberate intent to damage someone's status, credibility, or moral standing, and can manifest in various forms, including gossip, misinformation, or direct accusation.

Maligning meaning with examples

• In the heated debate over the proposed policy changes, one politician resorted to maligning his opponent's character, suggesting that their past decisions were not just poor but morally questionable. This tactic not only backfired but also prompted a public backlash that highlighted the importance of integrity in political discourse, reminding citizens that attacking a person's character does little to advance one’s own arguments.
• The local newspaper faced scrutiny after their investigative piece was criticized for maligning the reputation of a well-respected community member. Readers expressed concern that the article focused more on sensationalizing unfounded rumors rather than presenting factual evidence, leading to questions about the ethical responsibility of journalists to uphold a standard of truth over sensationalism.
• When rumors began to circulate about Sarah's involvement in a scandal, she realized that her colleagues were maligning her behind closed doors. Instead of confronting them directly, she chose to focus on her work and demonstrate her dedication, which ultimately restored her reputation and earned her the respect of her peers, showing that hard work and integrity can triumph over slander.
• The company faced immense criticism after former employees started maligning it online, claiming that the work environment was toxic and exploitative. This prompted the management to initiate a transparency campaign, aiming to address grievances and protect their reputation by showcasing improvements and a commitment to employee welfare, highlighting the damaging impact that maligning can have on a business’s image.