Aspersion (noun)

1. A damaging or derogatory remark or accusation.
2. An act of making a derogatory or negative remark or accusation.

Origin:

From the latin word "aspersio" meaning a sprinkle or shower, which was a metaphor for a negative remark or accusation.

Examples:

1. The politician's reputation was damaged by the aspersions cast upon his integrity.
2. The aspersion that he was dishonest was completely unfounded.
3. She made an aspersion on his character, and he felt deeply offended.
4. The aspersion that he was lazy was not true at all.
5. He was indignant at the aspersion on his professional reputation.