scurrilous — making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskɜːrələs/
Example Sentences
- The politician sued the newspaper for publishing scurrilous lies about his family.
- My neighbor spreads scurrilous gossip faster than my Wi-Fi spreads disappointment.
- The critic's scurrilous review was more about personal vendetta than artistic evaluation.
scurrilous
ADJECTIVE[/ˈskɜːrələs/]
making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation
The tabloid printed scurrilous lies about the actress, ruining her reputation overnight.
Scurrilous gossip from precarious heights looks hilarious!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'scurrilis' meaning 'of or like a buffoon or jester,' derived from 'scurra' (a buffoon or street entertainer). The word evolved to mean abusive and defamatory, particularly regarding vulgar or indecent language.
Breakdown
scurr- (from Latin scurra, buffoon) + -il- (adjective-forming suffix) + -ous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by') = scurrilous
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician sued the newspaper for publishing scurrilous lies about his family.”
“My neighbor spreads scurrilous gossip faster than my Wi-Fi spreads disappointment.”
“The critic's scurrilous review was more about personal vendetta than artistic evaluation.”
“She ignored the scurrilous comments on social media and focused on her work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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