1ma·lign 
/məˈlaɪn/ verb
ma·ligns; ma·ligned; ma·lign·ing /məˈlaɪn/ verb [+ obj] formal : to say bad things about (someone or something) publicly : to criticize (someone or something) harshly or unfairly
▪ Her supporters say she is being unfairly maligned in the press. ▪ I did not intend to malign [=impugn] his motives. ▪ They have given up their much-maligned [=widely criticized] attempt to reform tax policy.
▪ Her supporters say she is being unfairly maligned in the press. ▪ I did not intend to malign [=impugn] his motives. ▪ They have given up their much-maligned [=widely criticized] attempt to reform tax policy.
