VocabDictionary

rumormongering

/ˈruːmərˌmɒŋɡərɪŋ/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The act or practice of spreading rumors, gossip, or unverified information, often with the intent to cause mischief or damage reputations.

Example Sentences:
  • The company's internal culture was poisoned by constant rumormongering regarding potential layoffs.
  • Political analysts criticized the tabloid for its relentless rumormongering during the election cycle.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rumormongering”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the noun 'rumor' (from Old French 'rumor', ultimately from Latin 'rumor' meaning 'noise' or 'gossip') combined with the suffix '-monger' (from Old English 'mangere', meaning 'trader' or 'dealer'). The term emerged in the 19th century to describe the act of 'trading' or spreading unverified information as if it were a commodity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'rumor-monger' as a 'rumor-merchant' who sells gossip like a shopkeeper sells goods.

Frequently Asked Questions About “rumormongering

1. What is the meaning of “rumormongering” in English?

In English, rumormongering (noun) is defined as: “The act or practice of spreading rumors, gossip, or unverified information, often with the intent to cause mischief or damage reputations.”.

2. How do you use “rumormongering” in a sentence?

The company's internal culture was poisoned by constant rumormongering regarding potential layoffs.

3. What are English synonyms of “rumormongering”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rumormongering”?

Derived from the noun 'rumor' (from Old French 'rumor', ultimately from Latin 'rumor' meaning 'noise' or 'gossip') combined with the suffix '-monger' (from Old English 'mangere', meaning 'trader' or 'dealer'). The term emerged in the 19th century to describe the act of 'trading' or spreading unverified information as if it were a commodity.