# rumor campaign

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rumor-campaign
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.