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traduced ; traducing

Definition of traduce transitive verb 1 : to expose to shame or blame by means of falsehood and misrepresentation 2 : violate , betray traduce a principle of law

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Other Words from traduce traducement \ trə-​ˈdüs-​mənt , -​ˈdyüs-​ \ noun traducer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for traduce malign, traduce, asperse, vilify, calumniate, defame, slander mean to injure by speaking ill of. malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying. the most maligned monarch in British history traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim. so traduced the governor that he was driven from office asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction. both candidates aspersed the other's motives vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse. no criminal was more vilified in the press calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions. falsely calumniated as a traitor defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name. sued them for defaming her reputation slander stresses the suffering of the victim. town gossips slandered their good name

Did You Know? Traduce is one of a number of English synonyms that you can choose when you need a word that means "to injure by speaking ill of." Choose "traduce" when you want to stress the deep personal humiliation, disgrace, and distress felt by the victim. If someone doesn't actually lie, but makes statements that injure by specific and often subtle misrepresentations, "malign" may be the more precise choice. To make it clear that the speaker is malicious and the statements made are false, "calumniate" is a good option. But if you need to say that certain statements represent an attempt to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse, "vilify" is the word you want.

First Known Use of traduce 1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for traduce Latin traducere to lead across, transfer, degrade, from tra-, trans- trans- + ducere to lead — more at tow entry 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on traduce Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for traduce