calumniate

verb

Etymology: First attested in 1554; borrowed from Latin calumniātus, perfect passive participle of calumnior (“to blame, cavil at; to accuse falsely”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

1. To make hurtful untrue comments about.

   “Hatred unto the truth did always falsely report and calumniate all godly men's doings.”

   “I missed her when she was not on the stage, in spite of the absorbing interest of that most calumniated and ill-used person, the Jew. (Speaking of Fanny Kemble as Portia)”

2. To levy a false charge against, especially of a vague offense, with the intent to damage someone's reputation or standing.