aspersion
/ˌæspɪˈzɪʊʃən/Definitions
1. noun
a statement that is defamatory or derogatory and tends to damage someone’s reputation
“The politician’s career was marred by allegations that turned into an aspersion on his character.”
2. verb
to cast or throw aspersions on someone or something
“The media aspersions on the new policy sparked heated debates among the public.”