rumor campaign
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The rival company started a rumor campaign to hurt our sales.”
“During the heated election, the candidate faced a nasty rumor campaign designed to ruin his reputation without leaving a clear trail.”
“The disgraced executive suspected his former partners had orchestrated a subtle rumor campaign to undermine his credibility and force his resignation from the board.”
- 01
buy the rumor
To purchase an asset based on positive speculation or unconfirmed reports, anticipating a price rise before the positive development leading to it is confirmed by official news.
- 02
rumor mill
A process in which a group or network of persons originate or promulgate gossip and other unsubstantiated claims.
- 03
smear campaign
An effort to damage or call into question someone's reputation, by propounding negative propaganda.
- 04
whisper campaign
A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.
Last updated August 10, 2026