Legal Definitions - calumniate

Calumniate

To calumniate means to knowingly make false and damaging statements about someone with the intent to harm their reputation or character. It is the act of spreading malicious falsehoods, often leading to defamation.

• Imagine a scenario where a rival business owner starts spreading untrue rumors that a competitor's new product is made from unsafe materials, even though they know these claims are false. This action would be considered calumniating because the rival is intentionally making false charges about the product to damage the competitor's reputation and sales.

• Consider a situation where a disgruntled former employee, out of spite, tells a local journalist that their previous manager engaged in illegal financial activities, despite having no evidence and knowing the accusations are fabricated. The former employee is calumniating the manager by making false and damaging statements intended to discredit their professional integrity.