noun

the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.

a bitter struggle marked by calumny and litigation

slander,defamation (of character),character assassination,misrepresentation of character,evil-speaking,calumniation,libel,scandalmongering,malicious gossip,muckraking,smear campaign,disparagement,denigration,derogation,aspersions,vilification,traducement,obloquy,verbal abuse,backbiting,vituperation,revilement,scurrility,lies,slurs,smears,untruths,false accusations,false reports,insults,slights,mud-slinging,bad-mouthing,contumely

verb

slander (someone).