as·perse 
(ə-spûrs)
(ə-spûrs)tr.v. as·persed, as·pers·ing, as·pers·es
1.
a. To spread false or damaging accusations or insinuations against (someone).
b. To slander or libel; defame.
2. To sprinkle, especially with holy water.
[Middle English, to besprinkle, from Latin aspergere, aspers- : ad-, ad- + spargere, to strew.]
as·persive (-sĭv, -zĭv) adj.