What is a calumny?

Calumny is a false and malicious statement made to damage someone's reputation. It's essentially slander, but often implies a more deliberate and calculated attempt to harm someone.

Here's a breakdown:

* False: The statement must be untrue.

* Malicious: The intention is to cause harm to the person's reputation.

* Damage: The statement must be likely to cause actual harm to the person's reputation.

Think of it as spreading a lie with the intent to hurt someone.

Here are some examples of calumny:

* Spreading rumors about someone's infidelity to ruin their marriage.

* Accusing a coworker of stealing to get them fired.

* Making up a story about a politician's past to damage their chances in an election.

Calumny can have serious consequences, both legally and socially. It's important to be aware of the harm it can cause and to avoid spreading false and malicious information.