Answer: vilify

AnswerCrossword Clue
VILIFYMalign
VILIFYSpread nasty rumors about
VILIFYDefame
vilifyto defame, also VILIPEND
vilifyto lower in estimation or importance
vilifyto speak ill of
vilifyutter slanderous and abusive statements against defame
vilifyto speak ill of; defame; slander.