character assassination

USAGE SUMMARY

"character assassination" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an attempt to damage someone's reputation through false or malicious claims. For example, "The politician's opponents resorted to character assassination in an attempt to discredit her before the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Textbook character assassination," he said.

The New York Times

This is a character assassination.

The New York Times

"This is character assassination".

The New York Times

It's also character assassination.

The Guardian - Film

Racism is character assassination.

The New Yorker

Another file dealt with character assassination.

The New York Times

In fact, it was character assassination.

The New York Times

Mostly sour, bitter, character assassination.

The Guardian

What makes her sparkle is character assassination.

The Guardian - Books

It was character assassination, and it worked.

The Guardian - Books

Their modus operandi was character assassination.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "character assassination" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and malicious attempt to destroy someone's reputation through lies or distortions. It's stronger than simply saying someone's reputation was damaged.

Common error

Avoid using "character assassination" when the criticism is based on factual evidence, even if it damages the person's reputation. Ensure there's a clear element of malice and falsehood involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "character assassination" functions as a noun phrase that describes a malicious attempt to damage someone's reputation. It is commonly used to describe actions that go beyond simple criticism and involve deliberate falsehoods or exaggerations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "character assassination" is a widely used and grammatically correct term that describes a deliberate effort to damage someone's reputation. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to condemn unfair and malicious attacks. While related to concepts like "smear campaign" and "defamation", "character assassination" specifically implies a calculated and damaging assault on an individual's character. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the presence of malice and falsehood, and to avoid confusing it with legitimate criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attack on character

A more direct and literal way to express the same concept.

smear campaign

Highlights the use of false or exaggerated information to damage reputation.

vilification

Stresses the act of portraying someone as evil or contemptible.

defamation campaign

Emphasizes the systematic and widespread nature of the attack on reputation.

maligning someone's reputation

Focuses on the act of speaking maliciously and falsely about someone.

reputation destruction

Focuses on the outcome of the attack, which is the destruction of someone's good name.

reputational damage

Focuses on the harm caused to someone's reputation, often in a professional context.

public shaming

Highlights the aspect of causing public embarrassment and disgrace.

negative campaigning

Implies an organized effort to discredit an opponent, especially in politics.

personal attack

Highlights the direct and often aggressive nature of the assault on someone's character.

FAQs

How can I use "character assassination" in a sentence?

You can use "character assassination" to describe a deliberate attempt to ruin someone's reputation, as in "The politician accused his opponent of "character assassination" during the campaign".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "character assassination"?

Alternatives include "smear campaign", "defamation campaign", or "reputation destruction", depending on the specific context.

Is "character assassination" a formal or informal term?

"Character assassination" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's often found in news reports and academic discussions due to its serious connotation.

What is the difference between "character assassination" and simple criticism?

"Character assassination" involves a malicious and often untruthful attempt to damage someone's reputation, while criticism involves expressing disapproval based on factual grounds, even if harsh.