Forspecan

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Speaking against someone in a way that damages their reputation or standing in the eyes of others
2. To criticize or denounce a person with words, intending to bring them into disrepute
3. Expressing hostile judgment about another, usually in a manner meant to slander or belittle them

Etymology: In Old English, "specan" simply meant "to speak." The prefix "for-" could reverse a verb's sense or push it toward harm, as in "forswear," which once meant to swear falsely or renounce an oath. Attaching it to "specan" gave "forspecan," to speak against someone in order to damage them. The verb survives mainly in a small number of Old English texts, so we know its sense mostly from how it was used there rather than from a long line of later writers. Like "forswear," it describes a verbal act that turns against its target, and it has since dropped out of everyday English.